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SHORT QUEST 'IMS 

CONCERNING 

warn qnwansawma 

DQGTRM OP FAITH, 

ACCORDING TO 

THE TESTIMONY OF THE 



Answered and Confirmed. 

FOR THE PURPOSE 

OF INSTRUCTING YOUTH IN THE FIRST PRINCIPLES 

OF RELIGION. 

By ike nev. Christopher Schultz, Senior 



TRANSLATEDFROMTHEORIGINALGERMAN 
BY PROF. I. DANIEL RUPP, 

PHILADELPHIA. 




SkippaclLville, Pa., 

Printed by J. M. Schuenemann, 
18 6 3. 



PREFACE. 

mk pure, Christian System of Doctrine of 
Faith is among all temporal gifts and favors of 
God, the greatest, and most important • for 
without it, all other gifts of God, would be of 
little benefit to our true welfare. In such a 
System, not only the reason of all sound moral- 
ity is given, showing how we may please God, 
be useful to our fellowmen, and how we should 
beneficially make use of every good gift of God ; 
but, we are also, plainly shown in it how we 
may, by a knowledge of God and of our Savior 
Jesus Christ, be redeemed from all misery, 
and obtain eternal, and supreme felicity. The 
Son of God himself, and his apostles, moved 
and endowed by the power of the Holy Ghost, 
brought this to light, propagated the same, with 
the declaration that these good tidings of God 
should be faithfully offered and proclaimed to 



IV PREFACE. 



all men until the day of judgement • to do which, 
all sincere servants of Jesus Christ have, al- 
ways, faithfuly endeavoured, in every possible 
way, to promote, and spread them abroad. 

Next to the preaching of the gospel, by 
which i»en are ordinarily called to the Lord 
Jesus, and are invited to the enjoyment of his 
favors, the catechetical method of instructing 
the unlearned and beginners in Christian doc- 
trine, has been considered, by intelligent per- 
sons, as the most useful and expedient. From 
church history, we have infallible and incon- 
testable evidences, that in the churches estab- 
lished by the apostles themselves, certain re- 
nounced persons had been appointed to such 
office, and that they rendered very great ser- 
vice. In the time of the Reformation almost 
every distinguished teacher, acknowledged the 
necessity of this method of instruction, enjoined 
and commended it very highly. One of them, 
calls it : "The most essential part, of which 
the fathers have written much, as it was prac- 
ticed every where in the first church, in which 
christians from their youth were educated, 
fostered , and as much as possible, were to be 
instructed " And he says, if this were discon- 
tinued ; "Were it a wonder, if henceforth, there 



PREFACE. 



were few christians." (See C. S. Epistolar, 
II. Part, 1, Book, pa. 368. Item I. Part Epist. 
Pref. xiv. xv.) 

Catechising^ in the ordinary acceptation of 
the word, is that method of teaching, through 
which, by Questions and Answers, the funda- 
mental doctrines of Christianity are discussed 
and beginners are briefly, plainly and soundly 
indoctrinated. In plain terms, to catechise, is 
to instruct orally by Questions and Answers. 
And as now adays practiced, it means, to in- 
struct one in the knowledge of the first and 
essential fundamental truths of Christianity, by 
Question and Answer. Paul thus uses the word 
catechise*) in Rom. 2, 18.; 1. Cor. 14, 19.; and 
twice in Gal. 6, 6.; and Luke writes of Apollo, 
That he was catechised, in the way of the Lord. 
Acts 18, 25. 

A preeminent teacher says : " That this 



*) CATECHISE — I teach, or instruct another by 
the word of mouth ; — teach by oral instruction, 
the elements of religion, or science, is the ordi- 
nary meaning of the word in the New Testament 
and Ecclesiastical writers, Josephus, the Jewish 
historian, uses this word in the same sense, 

Translator, 



VI PREFACE. 



method of teaching was introduced into the 
apostolic church, may be clearly infered from 
the passages quoted from the Pauline epistles : 
And from which it is equally clear, that, not 
only children, but adults received such instruc- 
tion. This method of teaching is the easiest, 
and most proper, for the unlearned. Hence, 
it has been the practice among all nations and 
religions, to teach beginners, by short and plain 
dogmas, or maxims, the fundamental elements 
of doctrine. That this method was customary 
in the patriarchal families, especially in the 
Jewish church, appears from Gen. 18, 19.; 
Deut. 6, 7.; Rom. 2, 18. In his Horn. IV., 
Chrisostom calls the apostles Catechists (in- 
structors by questions and answers). After the 
times of the apostles, apostolic men and others 
of integrity, continued this wholesome practice 
with great zeal. The primitive church always 
sustained such catechists, and qualified per- 
sons." He then mentioned some by name, the 
place where, and the time when they catechised, 
and adds : "The great Augustine himself, did 
not esteem it a dishonor, to engage in cate- 
chising; and that, there is still extant a Treat- 
ise among his writings : How to catechise the 
weak in intellect" (See Eamb. Gatechet, Intro 



PREFACE. Aif 



pa. 16.) He further says: "Concerning public 
catechization, all the essential, Fundamental 
Truths, were clearly, plainly and childlike pro- 
pounded, and all drawn from the pure fountain 
of the Sacred Scriptures , that the foundation 
of faith might be firm and immovable." Chr. 
Starke in his Synopsis on Luke 2, 46. writes : 
"The method of teaching by questions and an- 
swers, Christ himself justjrtied (geheiliget). It 
is the oldest, the most expedient, and the most 
edifying (erbaulich). Gen. 3, 9.; Mat. 22, 41. 
From these testimonies and precedents, it is 
abundantly clear, how necessary, expedient and 
indispensable catechetical exercises are ; espe- 
cially so since ignorance is innate with us ; and, 
it illy becomes a christian to be ignorant \ for 
ignorance leads to all pernicious errors, and 
unfits man to honor, confess and praise God, 
to which end He created and called man. 
Therefore, it were to be cordially desired, that 
all christian parents, on whom it is enjoined, 
to bring up their children in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6, 4.), would lay 
these truths to heart, and take seriously in 
consideration the examples of the beloved old, 
pious christians, and see to it that their child- 
ren and the dear youth in general, do not lack 



VIII PREFACE, 



such necessary instruction. They ought, in 
every imaginable manner and way, seek to 
excite a desire and delight in the young, to 
receive this instruction ; and then, at the same 
time, implore G od to bestow his blessing. Were 
this done, then would, undoubtedly, be a better 
state of things in the world, than alas ! there 
is, at present, with so great negligence. 

In order, that sipch christian practice might 
be the more easily advanced, the following 
brief Questions and Answers have been com- 
piled , in which the most essential parts of the 
Cardinal Truths of the Christian Religion, are 
plainly, briefly and fundamentally presented, 
so that pious parents, and public catechists, 
may have a convenient manual to aid them to 
induct the young, by Questions and Answers, 
into the christian doctrine. 

Free use has been made of the labors of 
other authors, as the versed will readily per- 
ceive in this compilation. Every thing has 
been abundantly proved by "Holy Writ", to 
show, to those already somewhat practiced, 
that the answer is confirmed by the sacred 
scriptures ; and that, at the same time, an op- 
portunity is given , to present other questions 
from the scripture - texts, so that the matter 



PREFACE. IX 



may be the more thoroughly comprehended, and 
the more deeply impressed. The confirming 
of the doctrine- of the catechism with the sa- 
cred scriptures, was the practice of the Fathers, 
as before mentioned. Oyrillus Hierosol, the 
eminent catechist, thus addressed his catechu- 
mens : "You must, not forthwith, believe me 
simply, because, I advance something, provided 
you have not the proof thereof, from the sacred 
scriptures." 

It requires, indeed, much fidelity, zeal, 
and industry, to accomplish something really 
beneficial ; inasmuch, as not only the under- 
standings but the will of the children must be 
cultivated : and the catechist must see to it, 
. that both are improved. Although knowledge 
is of the first importance, yet experience teaches 
us super abundantly, that mere knowledge, 
without a love to thing itself (which is the in- 
clination of the will), profits nothing to our sal- 
vation. 2. Pet. 2, 21.; 1. Cor. 8, 1. Since such 
love is one of the good gifts of the Holy Ghost, 
for which God must be entreated, as well as 
the enlightning of the understanding in true 
knowledge, is also such a gift, and which 
the same time presupposes and requii '€ 
fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom; 



PREFACE, 



it i*s, therefore, necessary that both the teacher 
and the learner should not omit calling cordi- 
ally upon God, but that it be done the more 
devoutly. 

Would that God, who is merciful, almighty, 
eternal, bountiful, might, in his good pleasure 
in Christ Jesus our Lord, preserve his praise 
among us, and our dear youth, as his human 
and preciously redeemed creatures : and that, 
to promote his saving knowledge, he would 
kindly pour out his divine blessings upon this 
little book, is the sincere desire and prayer of 
his unworthy servant. 



Christopher SchllltZ, Senior. 



CONTENTS. 

Page, 
BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR YOUNG 

CHILDREN, 1 

I. OF THE DIVINE BEING AND 

HIS ATTRIBUTES, 7—10 

II. OF THE CREATION, THE FALL, 
AND THE DECREE OF GOD AS 

TO OUR SALVATION, .... 10—23 

1. Of the Creation, 10 

2. Of the Fall, ...... 13 

3 . Of the Decree and Will of G od 

as to our Redemption, ... 10 

III. OF REDEMPTION, . . . . . 24—34 

1 . Of the Redeemer's Person and 
Offices, 24 

2. Of the two States of Christ, . 27 

IV. OF SANCTIFICATION, . . . 34—72 

1. Of the Office of the Holy Ghost, 34 

2. Of Repentance and Faith, . . 37 

3. Of Justification and Regenera- 
tion, 4:; 

4. Of the other Benefits of Salva- 
tion, of the Regenerated, . . 40 

5. Of Duties to be performed, . 61 

1. Of Conscience, .... 61 

2. Of the Duties towards God 64 



Page 

\ » )f the Duties towards cnir 

selves, ..... 66 

4. Of the Duties towards oth- 
ers, .... 68 

5. Of Good Works. ... 70 
V OF THE WORD OF GOD, THE 

SACRED MINISTRY, THE LAW 
AND THE GOSPEL, ..... 72—79 
V) OF THE INSTITUTIONS BY 
CHRIST, COMMONLY CALLED 
THE SACRAMENTS, .... 80—92 

1. Of Baptism, 82 

2. Of the Supper, 85 

V II. OF THE THREE PRINCIPAL 

CONDITIONS, 93—106 

1. Of the Christian Church, . . 93 

2. Of the Higher powers, or Mag- 
istrates, ........ 101 

3. Of Matrimony, or Marriage, . 103 
VI II. OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE 

DEAD, 107—110 

IX. OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, 110—116 
X. OF ETERNAL LIFE, .... 117—119 

Addition. 

i . OF THE LORD'S PRAYER, . . . 120—127 

2. OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, . 128—137 

3. DEVOTIONAL HYMN, before Cate- 
chizatiou, 138—140 



IIIIMIHIICTIII 



«B TOO) 



1. Who created us ? 
God created me, and all mankind. 

2. When did God create the first man? 
When God had, in six days, created heaven 
and earth, and all things therein, He at last, 
created man on the sixth day. 

3. What vms the first man called? 
Adam. 

4. What was the first man's condition f 
God created man in His image, and placed 
him in a state of innocence. 



5. What dominion did God give to man ? 
He made him lord of all, He had made. 

6. Wliat did God further do with him in this 
state ? 
He gave him a commandment, and a precept 
what to do, and what to leave undone. 

7. Did he remain in this state ?- 
No : lie fell from this state. 

1 



2 BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, 

8. How did he fall? 
Through his disobedience towards God ; by 
eating of the forbidden fruit. 

9. What did this fall produce ? 
General want, death to himself, to us, and 
to his posterity. Gen. 2, 17. 

10. What did God do after such fall? 
He brought him into judgement, showed him 
his condemnation, and promised him a Re- 
deemer. 

11. Did the promised Redeemer appear? 
Yes : God did send Him in the fullness of 
time. Gal. 4, 4. 

12. Who then was this Redeemer? 
He was the only begotten Son of God, called 
Jesus Christ. 

13. Did the Son of God redeem you? 
Yes : The only begotten Son of God, Jesus 
Christ, God and man, is my Redeemer. 

14. Whereby did the Son of God redeem us ? 
By his perfect obedience, he fulfilled the law 
of God in our stead, and atoned on the cross,, 
with his blood and death, our sin -guiltiness. 
Heb, 10, 7. 10. 

15 ♦ What did Christ procure for us, by his 
obedience, suffering and death ? 
The grace of God, the Holy Spirit and 
eternal life. 

16. What does the grace of God primarily 

benefit us ? 
By it, we are convinced of our sinful misery. 



BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. 3 

and of the necessity of being sanctified, and it 
points us to our Redeemer. 

17. Who sanctifies us? 
The Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of life. 

18. How does the Holy Spirit sanctify us? 

He teaches us, to know our sins , contritely 
repent of, and abhor them ; and how we are to 
lay hold of Jesus Christ with his righteousness, 
by faith, and how we are to be renewed in him. 
1. Cor. 6, 11. 

19. But what must we do, in order that we may 
be sanctified? 
We must be obedient to the teaching of the 
Holy Spirit ; we must also live soberly, right- 
eously and godly, and shun all ungodliness 
and sin, 

20. What is sin? 
It is disobedience toward God's command- 
ment. 

21 . What temptations have we to sin ? 
There are three in particular. 

22. What are they? 
The lusts of our flesh ; the allurements of the 
world; and the snares of the devil. 

23. How may we escape them ? 
By prayer and watching. 

24. What is prayer ? 
A raising of the heart to God. 

25. Can you repeat some prayer? . 
xes-: The prayer which our Saviour, Christ, 



4 BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, 



taught his disciples, which every pious child 
should learn by heart. 

26. Let me hear you repeat that prayer ■? 
Our Father , who art in heaven. Hallowed 
be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done upon earth as in heaven. Our daily 
bread, give us to day. And forgive us our 
debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us 
not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and 
the glory, from eternity to eternity. Amen. 

27. My beloved child, this is well done; Is this 

all you can repeat ? 
No : I can also repeat the creed. 

28. What is the creed, which you can rehearse? 
It is a confession of those things, which I be- 
lieve, and which are essential to my salvation. 

29. How does the creed read? 

I believe in God, the Father, almighty maker 
of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his 
only begotten Son, our Lord : who was conceived 
by the, Holy Ghost , born of the Virgin Mary ; 
suffered under Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, 
dead and buried : He descended into hell, the 
third day he rose again from the dead : He as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right 
hand of the Father Almighty : From thence he 
shall come to judge the living and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost : I believe a holy 
christian church ; the communion of saints ; the 
forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the flesh 
and an eternal life. Amen, 



BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDRFN. 5 



30. This is also well done : But is there noth mg 
further required of us, than merely to pray, and 
to believe % 
Yes : We are to be studiously careful, that 
we keep all the holy commandments of God. 

31. Which are the commandments of God? 
The commandments of God we find recorded 
in the Old and New Testament. 

32. What is the sum of the commandments in 

the New Testament ? 
The sum of the commandments is : charity 
out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience 5 
and of faith unfeigned. 1. Tim. 1, 5. 

33. What is the sum of the commandments of 

the Old Testament? 
The ten holy commandments. 

34. WJience are the ten commandments ? 
God wrote them with his own hand upon 

two tables of stone, and gave them unto Moses. 

35. / wish you would rehearse these ten 

commandments ? 
I. The first commandment : Thou shalt have 

no other Gods before me. 
II. The second : Thou shalt not make unto 
thee any graven image, or the likeness 
of any thing. Bow not down thyself to 
them, nor serve them. 

III. The third : Thou shalt not take the name 
of the Lord thy God in vain. 

IV. The fourth : Kemember the sabbath-day, 
to keep it holy. 



() BRIEF INSTRUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. 



V. The fifth : 'Honor thy father and thy 
mother, that it may be well with thee, 
and thy days be long upon the earth. 
VI. The sixth : Thou shalt not kill. 
VII. The seventh : Thou shalt not commit 
adultery. 
VIII. The eighth : Thou shalt not steal. 
IX. The ninth : Thou shalt not bear false 
witness against thy neighbor. 
X. The tenth : Thou shalt not covet thy 
neighbor's house, nor his wife, nor man- 
servant, nor maidservant, nor his cattle, 
nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. 

36. What does God say touching these 
commandments ? 
He speaks thus : I the Lord thy God am a 
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers 
upon the children unto the third and fourth 
generation of them that hate me , and showing 
mercy unto thousands of them that love nie> 
and keep my commandments. Exod. 20, 5. 6» 



-*$#* 



1. OF THE DEVINE BEING AND HIS 
ATTRIBUTES. 



1 . Do you believe that there is a God t 
Yes : I believe that there is one, only true 
God. Mark 12, 29. 

2. Is there then only one God ? 
There is only one God. Mark 12, 23.; 1. 
Cor. 8, 4. 

3. What is God ? 
God is a spirit. John 4, 24. 

4. What kind of a spirit is God ? 
He is an*eternal, selfexisting, every where 
present, and perfect spirit. Gen. 21, 33.; Ps. 
139, 7, &c. 

5. Has he also understandings and will I 
Yes, indeed : His understanding is unsearch- 
able, and he can do what seems good to him. 
Is. 40, 28.; Ps. 115, 3. 

6. Which are the principal attributes of the 

devine understanding ? 
Omniscience and wisdom. Dan. 2, 20. 

7. Which are the principal attributes of his vri// ? 
Love, justice, and omnipotence. 



OF THE DEVINE BEINC4. 



8. How is this God called? 
He is called : Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 
Mat. 28, 19. 

9. Are not then Father , Son and Holy Ghost, 
three Gods? 
No : they are indeed three co-eqifally distinct 
persons, but are one in being, and, consequent- 
ly only one God. 1. John 5, 7.; John 10, 30. 

10. What is meant by person ? 
We call a living being, possessing under- 
standing and a free-will, a person ; an incommu- 
nicable oneness of which no other can partake. 

11. How do you prove distinct persons 
in the Godhead ? 
The Son saith : I will pray the Father , and 
he shall give you another comforter. John 14. 
16. 26.; Mat. 28, 19. 

12. Whereby is the first person distinguished 
from the others ? 
The first person is a Father, and has begotten 
a Son. Rom. 15, 6.; Heb. 1, 5. 

13. Whereby is the second person, distinguished 
from the Father and the Holy Ghost ? 
That the second is a Son, who is begotten 
of the Father. John 1, 18.; Col. 1, 15. 

14. Whereby is the third person distinguished 
from the Father and the Son ? 
That the third person, being a Spirit of the 
Father and Son, proceeds from both. Johri 
15, 26. 



OF THE DEVINE BEING. 



15. How does this unity thus exist , as we 

are to believe in one God only I 
Father, Son and Holy Ghost have one proper, 
co-equal, indivisible being and will, according 
to which they are not distinct, but one. John 
10, 30. 

16. How is this to be understood ? 
There are in the three, only one eternity, im- 
mensity, omnipresence, wisdom, omnipotence, 
life, benevolence, dominion and felicity, in the 
highest perfection, and consequently, only one 
Godhead. 

17. Where does this triune God dwell ? 
God dwells in heaven, in the light which no 
man can approach unto. Mat. 6, 9.; Ps. 1,15. 
3.; 1. Tim. 6, 16. 

18. Did he never reveal himself? 
Yes : he repealed himself charmingly through 
his word and works. 1. Sam. 3, 21. 

19. Through what work did the Father 
especially reveal himself? 
Through the work of creation, and the pre- 
servation of all things. Acts 14, 15. 17. 

20. Through what did the heavenly Father 

further reveal himself? 
By sending his beloved Son, and the Holy 
Ghost into the world, in order that we might 
come unto Him. Gal. 4, 4.; Acts 2, 4.; Tit. 3, 6. 

21 . Through what work did the Son reveal 

himself? 
Through the work of our Redemption. Horn. 
3,24. 



10 OP THE CREATION. 

22. Through what kind of work did the Holy 
Ghost reveal himself? 
Through the work of Sanctification. 1. Cor. 
6, 11.; Tit. 3, 5. 

II* OF THE CREATION, THE 

FALL, AND THE DEGREE OF GOD AS 

TO OCR SALVATION. 

1. OF THE CEEATION. 



23. Whence did the world, and all things first, 
originate ? 
God the Father, in the beginning, created 
heaven and earth, and all things herein. Gen. 
1, 1.; 1. Cor. 8, 6.; Acts 14, 15. 

24. Did not the Son and Holy Ghost jointly 

co-operate ? 
Yes : for by the word of the Lord, were the 
heavens made, and all the hosts of them by the 
breath of his mouth. Ps. 33, 6.; Eph. 3, 9. 

25. Out of what did God create all things ? 
Out of nothing ; by the mere pleasure of his 

almighty will, all things have their being, and 
were created. Ps. 148, 5.; Eev. 4, 11. 

2G. How many different kinds of creatures 

did God create ? 
Two different kinds ; namely, visible and in- 
visible. Col. 1, 16. 



OF THE CREATION. 11 



27. Which are the invisible creatures ? 
The angels , who are spirits , and have no 
visible body. Heb. 1, 4. 7. 

28. Whereto did God create the angels ? 
That they should minister unto him, and unto 
believers on earth. Ps. 103, 20.; Heb. 1, 14.; 
Ps. 34, 8. 

29. Did they all continue in a good state ? 
No : many did not abide in the truth. Jude 6.; 
John 8, 44. 

30. What are these angels called? 
They are called wicked angels, or unclean 
spirits. Mat. 10, 1. 

31. What is their chief called ? 
The devil and satan, that deceiveth the whole 
world. Rev. 12, 9. 

32. Which are the visible creatures ? 
Every thing composed of matter, and that 
may be seen with our natural eyes. 

33. Which is the highest in rank of all God's 
visible creatures ? 
Man, who consists of body and soul, of a 
visible and invisible part. Ecc. 12, 7.; Mat. 
10, 28.; Ps. 84, 2. 

34. What is the first man's name f 
Adam. Gen. 3, 9. 

35. Out of what did God form the body of B 'dam ? 
God the Lord formed man of the dust of the 
ground. Gen. 2, 7. 



12 OF THE CREATION. 



36. Whence did he receive a rational and 

immortal soul ? 
God breathed the same into him. Gen. 2, 7, 

37. How is the soul's essence constituted? 
The soul is a spirit, having understanding 

and will. 1. Cor. 2, 11. 

38. Why was man the most noble, visible 

creature ? 
Because he was created in the image ; and 
made after the similitude of God. Gen. 1, 26.; 

5, 1.; James 3, 9. 

39. In what did this similitude consist ? 
God endowed and adorned his understanding 

with the light of knowledge and wisdom ; his 
will with love, holiness and righteousness, after 
the likeness of God. Col. 3, 10.; Eph. 4, 24. 
(See Quest. 6 and 7.) 

40. What then was his soul ? 
The soul was a bright mirror of the glory 
of God. 2. Cor. 3, 18. 

41. How was his body constituted? 
The body was comely, durable and immortal. 
Wisdom 2, 23. 

42. What was God's further purpose with 
Adam ? 

To have uninterrupted communion with him, 
to manifest in him His Son and image, and to 
dwell in him for ever. John 17, 10.; 2. Cor, 

6, 16, 18. 



OF THE FALL, 13 

43. In what outward state did God place Adam ? 
He immediately constituted him ruler and 

sovereign over every creature upon earth. Gen. 
1, 28. 

44. What kind of habitation did God give him ? 
God placed him in a very delightful pleasure 

garden, which God himself had planted, Gen. 
| 8. 

45. Did Adam receive an agreeable companion ? 
Yes : God took one of Adam's ribs, made a 

woman thereof, and brought her unto him. 
Gen. 2, 21. 22. 

46. How did Adam find himself in such 

circumstances ? 
He was internally and externally in a very 
happy and delightful condition. 

47. How is this state otherwise called? 
It is commonly called the state of innocence. 

48. Did man then know nothing of sin , death 
and misery ? 
No : he was without sin ; death and all mis- 
ery first entered into the world, by sin. Ecc. 
7, 30.; Rom. 5, 12. 



2. OF THE FALL. 



49. Did not the first human pair remain in 

this glorious state ? 
Alas not ! they soon forfeited it. Gen. 3, 17, 



14 OF THE FALL, 



50. Through what did this happen $ 
Through the sorrowful fall of man. Rom, 

5,15. 

51. Who seduced them to this fall ? 
Satan, who with his angels had already fallen 

from God. Gen. 3, 1.; Jude verse 6. 

52. How did sat an effect this ? 
Through his falsehood, he exited in them a 
haughty desire to be like God in omniscience 
and freedom. Gen. 3> 4. 5.; 2. Cor. 11, 3. 

53. To what did they suffer themselves, to be 

seduced through such pride ? 
To disobedience towards God and his prohi- 
bition. Rom. 5, 19. 

54. How does the prohibition read ? 
Of the tree of the knowledge of good and 
evil thou shalt not eat. Gen. 2, 17. 

55. Why did God forbid man the fruit of a 

certain tree ? 
In order, to test in a small matter, his obe- 
dience, whether he would voluntarely obey Him , 

56. Did man become perverse and disobedient ? 
Man at the instigation of satan, by the abuse 

of his free-will, disregarded the word of God, 
and did eat of the forbidden fruit. Gen. 3, 6. 

57. What followed this apostacy from God ? 
The loss of the devine image. Rom. 3, 23, 

58. What did man lose by this, from his 

understanding ? 
Spiritual wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom 
1, 4.; Ps. 25, 14.; Rom. 1, 22, 



OP THE FALL. 15 

59. What did he lose from his will t 
Love and holiness, yea, the whole life out 
of God. Eph. 2,1. 

60. Did sat an gain entrance into his inner- 

man> when he obeyed him ? 
Yes , indeed, when man believed Satan's 
(falsehood) insidious lies he so pervaded him by 
his lying-poison, as wholly to destroy his body 
and soul ; and, he became like unto his seducer, 
Jer. 17, 1.; Eph. 2, 2.; John 8, 44. 

61. In what particular did he become like 
unto him ? 

In hatred and enmity against God, that he 
Would no longer be subject unto God. Rom, 
8, 7.; Gen. 3, 8. 

62. What was now the state of his 
understanding ?■ 
Full of darkness, blindness, foolishness, whol- 
ly incapable rightly to know God ; and, devine 
things. Eph. 4, I8.3 p s. 14, 1.; Jer. 5, 21. 

63. How did his will become depraved? 
He could no longer love God, and trust in 
him, he was averse to every good, and prone to 
all wickedness. Tit. 3, 3.} Jer. 6, 10. 

64. What punishment did he bring upon 

himself through his disobedience ? 
God's curse and wrath, with temporal, spiri- 
tual and eternal death. Gen. 3, 17. 19, 

65. What is temporal death I 
It is a painful separation of body and soul- 



16 OP THE FALL. 



66. What else appertains thereto ? 
All manner of bodily miseries, sicknesses, 
pains, troubles, and judgements of God, that 
take place on earth. 

67. In what consists spiritual death ? 
In an alienation of the soul from the blessed 
communion of God, and also in a want of all 
spiritual strength and true comfort. Isa. 59, 
2. 13.; Eph. 4, 18. 

68. What else appertains thereto ? 
Slavish fear, anguish and disquietude, com- 
punctions of an evil conscience, and fleeing from 
God. Gen. 3, 8. 10. 

69. What consists eternal death ? 

In an everlasting want of all blessedness, 
and in an eternal feeling of the most extreme 
torment, under the greatest despair. Isa. 66, 
24.; Rev. 21, 8. 

70. Did then nothing at all unpolluted in 
man, remain ? 

Alas ! no : neither in body nor soul, in blood 
or seed, any the least thing remained, that was 
not pervaded by the poison of sin, and became 
detestable. Isa. 1, 5. 6.; Job 15, 16.; Ps. 14, 1. 

71. Had not man also to change his habitation ? 
Yes, certainly, God sent him forth from the 
beautiful pleasure-garden, and he had now to 
support himself amid sorrow and great pains, 
upon the earth, which God, for man's sake, had 
cursed. Gen. 3, 24, 17— Id. 



OF THE FALL. 17 



72. Did all this misery befall the first 
parents alone? 
.No : but it befell also, at the same time, all 
their offspring and posterity. Rom. 5, 18. 

73. Did thm, all men at the same time, sin 
in Adam 1- 

They have all sinned. They are all gone out 
of the way ; they are together become unprof- 
itable. Rom. 3, 12—23. 

74. Did they also, in him, all become subject 
to death ? 

m Death passed upon all men, for that all have 
sinned; therefore, as by the sin (offence) of one 
judgement came upon all men to condemnation 
Rom. 5, 12. 18. 

75. Did the first parents transmit their depraved 
nature to their offspring I 
Yes : Adam begat a son in his own likeness, 
after his image. Gen. 5, 3.; John 3, 6. 

76. What have we thus inherited from our 

parents ? 
Sin and death. Yea, a miserable and wretch- 
ed inheritance. Rom. 5, 17. 

77. What is sin ? 
Sin is a (moral) wrong; or it is disobedience 
to, and deviation from, the law. 1. John 3 4 • 
Rom. 5, 19. ! 

78. How many sorts of sins are there? 
Two : original sin, and actual sin. 

2 



18 OF THE FALL. 



79. What is original sin ? 

The detestable, inbred depravity of our whole 
nature, in as much, as we are unfit for any good : 
and, prone to all wickedness. Gen. 8, 21.; 2. 
Cor. 3, 5. 

80. Are all men born in this sinful 
condition ? 

Yes : By nature we are the children of wrath, 
David exclaims : Behold, I was shapen in in- 
iquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 
Eph. 2, 3.; Ps. 51, 5.; Isa. 64, 6.; Job 14, 4.; 
15, 14. 

81. Does this (original) sin remain in the 
regenerated, in this life ? 

Yes : it still remains in them ; although, it 
has no dominion over them. Rom. 7, 18.; 6, 12.; 
1. John 1, 8. 

82. What is actual sin 1 

Every evil committed by us, internally in 
thoughts and desires, or externally in words or 
deeds ; or, the omission of doing good, is act- 
ual sin. 

83. Is it also sin, if we omit doing good ? 

Yes : To him that knoweth to do good, and 
doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4, 17. 

84. In how many ways can one actually siri ? 
Either through ignorance, weakness, hasti- 
ness, or through design and malice. 

85. Can we make ourselves partakers of 

other men's si?is ? 
Yes, we can : by advising, approving, enjoin- 



Utf THE DECREE AND WILL OF GOD. 19 

ing, omitting to make known , and not reprov- 
ing sins, and the like. Ezek. 3, 18. 

86. What do we merit with God, by our sins ? 
God's wrath and displeasure, together with 
temporal and eternal death. 

87* Can no one extricate himself from this 

deplorable misery ? 
No : what shall a man give in exchange for 
his soul. Mat. 16, 26. 

88. Could then no other creature restore fallen 
men again? 
No: it requires too much to redeem their 
soul, to satisfy, in our case, the perfect justic 
and holiness of God. Ps. 49, 8. 9. 

89. Could then God help man again ? 
With God nothing is impossible. Luke 1, 37. 



aa 



3. OF THE DEGREE AND WILL OF 
GOD AS TO OUR REDEMPTION. 

90. Did not God again destroy the world on 
account of sinful man ? 
No : but he sustains, preserves and governs 
it, with great kindness, patience and forbear- 
ance. Ps. 147, 5.; 36, 7. 8.; Heb. 1, 3.; Mat. 
5, 45.: Rom. 2, 4. 

91. Why does He this? 
God is faithful, and has no pleasure in the 
death of the sinner ; yea, he is willing that all 



20 OF THE DECREE AND WILL OF GOD, 



should be saved, and that none should perish. 
Ezek. 33, 1.: 1. Tim. 2, 4.; 2. Pet, 3, 9. 

92. Whence do we know this ?' 
From the gracious decree of God which he 
had purposed from eternity. 

93. Did he then from eternity foresee our fall? 

Yes, because there is nothing concealed from 
his omniscience. Heb. 4, 13.: Isa. 46, 10.; 
Wisd. 8, 8. 

94. What did he determine in his eternal 
decree ? 

He determined : 1 ) To have mercy upon the 
whole human race. 2) To redeem all mankind 
through his Son. 3) To call and sanctify them 
through his Spirit. 4) To beatify believers 
eternally. 

95. How is this purpose, or decree of God in 

regard to fallen men, otherwise called ? 

The dispensation of grace through Christ. 

96. Why is it called, the dispensation of grace 

through Christ ? 
Because, God has out of pure love and grace, 
chosen such plan, or dispensation of grace, by 
which lost men may again be redeemed, and 
restored to happiness. 

97. Did not God in his election of grace choose 
only, at first, a part of the human race, to be 
made partakers of such salvation , and passed 

by others ? 
No, for as said : God is not willing that any 
should perish ; but that all should be helped ; 



OF THE DECREE AND WILL OF GOD. 21 



therefore, the Son of God has redeemed them 
all, and the Holy Spirit calls them all. 2. Pet. 
3, 9.; 1. Tim. 2, 4. 6.; 1. John 2, 2.; Tit. 2, 11.; 
Col. 1, 3. 

98. But Christ declares : Few are chosen; 
why is this so ? 

Because , all others will not comply with 
God's election and decree, that they may, by 
faith, receive Christ, and be truly converted 
unto God; but they will rather go on the broad 
way; this God has foreseen, and consequently, 
He could not choose them to eternal life. Mat. 
23, 37.; 22, 3. 5.; Acts 13, 46. 

99. Who then are the chosen ? 
All those, whom God has foreseen, that they 
would accept of his profered grace and call in 
Christ; believe in his Son, and persevere to 
the end in such faith. Mat. 22, 10. 14.; Eom. 
8,29. 

100. Upon whom did God look in this election? 
Only upon Jesus Christ ; that whosoever lays 
hold of him, by faith, shall be saved ; for he 
has chosen us in Christ in the believing of the 
truth. Eph. 1, 4.; 2. Thess. 2, 13. 

101. Hov) is this to be understood? 
This God-man, is the only Mediator, Medi- 
um, Foundation, Head, Saviour, and Door, ap- 
pointed of God, through whom it is possible to 
be saved, and God offers him unto us all, and he 
will that all should receive him and be saved. 



22 OF THE DECREE AND WILL OF GOD. 

He that resists , runs into perdition. Acts 4, 
12.; Eph. 1, 22.; 5, 23. 

102. Did God make known this, his gracious 
will unto fallen men ? 
Yes : immediately in the first promise. Gen. 
8, 15. 

103. What did he promise ? 
God promised that the seed of the woman 
should subdue satan, and redeem men from his 
power. 1. John 3, 8. 

104. Was this promised Redeemer immediately 
sent? 
No : God only sent him after four thousand 
years had elapsed. 

105. What did God, in the mean time, do? 

He had this promise more clearly made 
known, and the bloody death of the Redeemer 
typified by many offerings. 

106. What more did he do? 
In the mean while, He renewed his Law on 
Mount Sinai, which he had imprinted in the 
heart of the first man. Exod. 20, 20.; Chap. 20. 

107. What does God require in this Law ? 

That man should again become, as he was 
created in the beginning, according to God's 
image ; full of love towards God and the neigh- 
bor. Mat. 22, 37—40. 

108. What did He threaten those, who did not 
meet these demands ? 
[To declared Cursed be he, that fulfills (con- 



OF THE DECREE AND WILL OP GOD. 23 

iirmeth) not all the words of this law to do 
them. Deut. 27, 26. 

109. What did he promise them, who fulfill 

(keep) the law? 
He said : The man that doeth those things 
shall live in (by) them. Rom. 10, 5. 

110. Could not fallen man keep the Law of 

God, perfectly ? 
No : in the fall he lost all ability to keep 
the law. Rom. 8, 3. 

111. Thus he could not be justified by the 

deeds of the law ? 
By the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be 
justified. Rom. 3, 20.; Gal. 3, 10. 11. 

112. So then, all men were to be condemned? 
No : by faith in the promised Redeemer, 

they might become righteous, and be saved. 
Gal. 2,6.; Rom. 10,4. 

113. Why had the law to precede the coming 

of the Redeemer ? 
In order, that men might feel their sins and 
weakness, and through the curse of the law, be 
made the more desirous for the promised Phy- 
sician and Beatifier (Saviour). Rom. 3, 20.: 
Gal. 3, 24. 



24 Q¥ THE REDEEMERS PEJR80JJ. 



III. OF REDEMPTION. 



1. OF THE REDEEMER'S PERSON 
AND OFFICES. 



114. When did the promised Redeemer finally 
come ? 
When the fulness of God's set time had 
come, God sent forth his Son to redeem us. 
Gal. 4, 4. 

115. So then, God gave his own Son to be our 
Redeemer ? 
Yes : God so loved the world that he gave 
his only begotten Son. John 3, 16.; Horn. 8, 32. 

116. Where did he sent him to ? 
Into the flesh, so that God became man, and 
appeared in the world. John 1, 14.; 1. John 4, 9. 

117. How was this sending accomplished? 

He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and 
born of the Virgin Mary. Mat. 1, 18—20.; 
Luke 1, 35.; 2, 7.; Isa. 7, 14. 

118. Was the Son of God willing to undertake 

such a mission ? 

Yes ; he said unto his Father : I delight to 

do thy will, my God. He gave himself a 

ransom for all. Ps. 40, 8.; 1. Tim. 2, 6.; Gal. 1,4. 

119. What is this Redeemer called ? 
He is called Jesus Christ, 



OF THE REDEEMER S PERSON. 2D 

120. What does the name, Jesus, signify ? 

A Deliverer, Redeemer, and Saviour (Be- 
atifier). 

121. Why is he called, a Saviour? 

Because he was to procure, publish, and im- 
part the true salvation. 

122. What does the name Christ, or Messiah 
signify? 
One, who is anointed with the Holy Ghost. 
Acts 10, 38. 

123. What kind of a person, is this Saviour? 
He is very God and very man, in one person. 
Rom. 9, 5. 

124. Is he, according to both natures, a true 

son of God ? 
Yes : he is whole (undivided), in his entire 
person, a son of the most high Father, as he 
was born of the virgin. Mat. 3, 17.; Luke 1, 32. 

125. But did he not take, [assume,) his body 

from Mary ? 

Yes : he did, but, in the paternal genera- 
tion, through his Holy Ghost. Rom. 1, 3 ; 
Luke 1, 35. 

126. How is it : shall we ascribe the work of 

redemption to the human nature only; and, on 

the other hand, the work of beatification, to the 

divine nature, in this exalted person ? 

Not so : we are to view him in his entire 
person throughout, by faith, as well in his 
birth, as in his suffering, and in his glory, 
Luke 2, 11.; 1. Cor. 2, 8.; Rom. 1, 3. 4. 



26 OF THE redeemer's person. 

127. Why had our Redeemer to be conjointly 

God and man ? 
In order, that he might be a proper Mediator 
between God and man. 1. Tim. 2, 5.; Hos. 1, 
7.; Heb. 2, 17. 

128. Why must he, therefore be a very man? 
In order that he might take upon himself the 

burden of man's guilt, atone for our disobedi- 
ence, suffer, and die for us. John 1, 29. ; Heb. 
2, 14. 

129. Why had he to be likewise, very God ? 
That he might impart to his suffering and 

death infinite validity and virtue, and thus, 
through his blood, propitiate God. Heb. 1, 3.: 
9, 14. 15.; Jer. 23, 6. 

130. Has not our Redeemer a threefold office, 
in his mediatorship ? 
Yes : he is a High-priest, a Prophet, and a 
King. 

131. What has he done for us, as High-priest ? 
He has reconciled us to God, and procured 
for us, through the offering of his body, and 
by his intercession, the true salvation. Col. 1, 
22.; Heb. 5, 7. 

132. What has he done, as a Prophet ? 
He annunciated to us, and caused to be made 
known, the procured salvation, together with 
the dispensation of divine grace. Eph, 2, 17.; 
John 17, 26.; Acts 30, 42. 43. 



OF THE TWO STATES OP CHRIST, 27 

1 33. What does he do in behalf of us, as King ? 
He rules over his redeemed in his kingdom 
of grace ; he repulses their enemies ; and, makes 
them partakers of the procured salvation. 1. 
Cor. 15, 25.; Ps. 89, 18. 19. 



2. OF THE TWO STATES OF CHRIST. 



1. OF THE STATE OF HUMILIATION. 

134. Has our Redeemer always been in 
the same state ? 
No : he was first in the state of Humiliation, 
but now, he is in the state of Exaltation. 
Hcb. 1, 3. 

135. Wlien did he enter the state of humiliation ? 
When he took upon himself true human na- 
ture ; and, human infirmities. Heb. 2, 14. 17. 

136. Did he also partake of sin ? 
In him is no sin. But he was in all points 
tempted as we are, yet without sin. 1. John 
3, 5.; Heb. 4, 15.; 2, 18. 

1 37. Of what did he divest himself in this 
humiliation ? 

He divested himself, for a time, of his com- 
plete and continual use of his divine glory. 
Phil. 2, 6. 7. 

138. Why had he to humble himself so deeply ? 
That he might expiate our pride, and redeem 
us from our misery. 



28 OF THE TWO STATES OF CHRIST. 



139. In what consisted our misery, from which 
he would redeem us ? 

In the sin-guiltiness, and the punishment 
of sin. 

140. Did he deliver us from these evils ? 

Yes : he cancelled both the guilt and punish- 
ment. 
141. How did he deliver us from sin-guiltiness ? 

In that he suffered the punishment to be im- 
puted to him ; and as our surety, he satisfied it. 
For the lord hath laid on him the iniquity of 
the sins of us all. Ps. 69, 4.; Isa. 53, 6. 

142. With what did he satisfy it ? 
With the ransom of his precious blood and 
life, which he offered for us, in perfect obedi- 
ence. 1. Pet. 1, 19.; Mat. 20, 28.; Phil. 2, 8. 

143. How did he deliver us from the punish- 
ment of sin ? 
In that he suffered it, in our stead. For the 
chastisement rests upon him, that we might 
have peace. Ps. 69, 4.; Isa. 53, 5. 

144. What is the punishment of sin ? 
The wages of sin is death. Rom. 6, 23. 

145. So then, our Redeemer suffered death ? 
Yes : he by the grace of God tasted death 
for every man. Heb. 2, 9. 

146. Did he also taste the bitterness of 
eternal death ? 
Yes : when he cried with a loud voice : Eli, 
Eli, lama sabachthani — My God, my God, why 
hast Thou forsaken me ? Mat. 27, 46. 



OF THE TWO STATES OF CHRIST. 29 



147. Bid, did he also fulfill the whole law 

for us ? 
Yes : he came not to destroy the law, but to 
fulfill it. Math. 5, 17, 

148. Did he then absolve us from the justice of 
God, and free us from the condemnation of sin? 

Yes : he has by his perfect satisfaction blot- 
ted out the hand-writing that was against us, 
and made us free. Col. 2, 14.; John 8, 32. 36.: 
Gal. 5, 1.; 3, 13. 

149. What did he merit for us, by his obedience 

and suffering ? 
The grace of God, the Holy Spirit, and eter- 
nal life. Heb. 5, 9.; Gal. 3, 14. 

150. Have we then, through him, again obtained 

a right to eternal life ? 
Yes : We rejoice in the hope of the future 
glory which God will give. Rom. 5, 2. 

151. Are we now reconciled unto God, through 

his death ? 
Yes : we are reconciled to God by the death 
of his Son. Rom. 5, 10.; 2. Cor. 5, 18. 19.; 1. 
John 2, 2. 

152. Did God accept the offering of his Son, 
as sufficient satisfaction; and did He abate his 

righteous vjrath against us ? 
Yes : He has declared, that he would be no 
longer wroth with us, because the Mediator had 
through his flesh abolished His enmity. Isa. 
54, 9. 10.; Eph. 2, 14. 



30 OF THE TWO STATES OF CHRIST. 



153. Is he ready, and willing to forgive us 
our sins ? 

Yes : he will no longer remember our of- 
fences committed against him. Isa. 43, 25.: 
Heb. 8, 12. 

154. Is he ready and willing, again to do 

us good ? 
Yes : he declares, I will rejoice over them 
to do them good. Jer. 32, 41. 

155. Has then the former friendly relation 

been restored ? 
Yes : Christ has made peace through the 
blood of the cross by himself. ! the glorious 
fruits of the humiliation of Christ. Col. 1, 20.; 
Isa. 53, 5. 

2. OF THE STATE OF CHRIST'S 
EXALTATION. 

156. Did our Redeemer remain in death ? 

No : God raised Jesus from the death, and 
gave him glory, that our faith and hope might 
be in God. 1. Pet. 1, 21. 

157. How do our faith and hope rest aright 
upon the resurrection of Christ ? 

If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, 
then his resurrection assures us of our justifi- 
cation before God, because he has broken the 
bonds of death, of our surety. Rom. 4, 25. ; 
Acts 2, 24. 

158. What did the Lord Jesus lay off in his 

resurrection 1 
He laid off the form of a servant , which he 



OF THE TWO STATES OF CHRIST. 31 

had taken upon himself, and all the weaknesses 
of humanity ; but he did not lay off the human 
nature. 

159. What did he, on the other hand, take 
upon himself 1 

His supreme divine glory which he enjoyed 
in heaven : now in that he lives, he lives unto 
God; yea this God-man is now the true God, 
and the eternal life. John 17, 5.: Rom. 6, 10.: 
1, John 5, 20.; John 20, 28. 

160. Who thus exalted oar Mediator I 
G-od his Father exalted him, as an attesta- 
tion, of his pleasure in his satisfaction. Phil. 2, 9. 

161. How did he exalt him, and receive him 

into glory ? 

1) Through the resurrection from the dead. 

2) Through the ascension, when he received 

him into glory. 3) Through the sitting at his 

right hand. 1. Pet. 1, 21.; 1. Tim. 3, 16.: Ps. 

no, i; 

162. Why did he receive him into glory ? 

In order, that he might place him in a con- 
dition to impart unto us, the procured salvation, 
and to protect us in the enjoyment thereof, 
against our enemies. Acts 5, 31.; Rom. 14, 9.; 
Ps. 45, 5.; 110, 2. 

163. Is the human nature in Christ invested 

[with the divine,) in the same full glory? 

Certainly : For it pleased the Father, that 

in the First-born from the dead, all the fulnes- 

of the Godhead should dwell bodily. Col 1., 

18. 19.; 2,9.; Mat 28, 18. 



32 OF THE TWO STATES OF CHRIST. 

164. What is the most important work (Ge- 

schafte * ) of the exalted Saviour ? 
His intercession for us with the Father. Heb. 
7,25.; 1. John 2, 1. 

165. How do you prove this ? 
Christ is at the right hand of God, and makes 
intercession for us. Kom. 8, 34.; Heb. 9, 24.; 
7, 25. 

166. For whom does he intercede ? 
For all men, even as he gave himself a ran- 
som for all ; but especially for those , who be- 
lieve in him. 1. Tim. 2, 6.; Isa. 53, 12.; John 
17, 20. 

167. For what does he intercede, in behalf of 

unbelievers ? 
For space and grace unto repentance and 
forgiveness of sins. Luke 13, 8.; 23, 34. 

168. For what does he intercede, in behalf of 

believers ? 
For all kinds of powers of grace, to increase 
in every good, and in steadfastness to the end. 
John 17, 9—15.; Luke 22, 32. 

169. How does he intercede ? 
He presents his merits to his heavenly Father, 
and demands that for the sake of this, the pro- 



* ) G e s c h se> f t e , — business , function , work , (of- 
ficium) office. In the New Testament, Ergon, 
work, deed, action, business is used in the dis- 
courses of Christ himself. John 4, 34.; 17, 34.-— 
Knapp, 330. (Translator.) 



OF THE TWO STATES OP CHRIST. 33 

cured benefits of salvation, may be imparted to 
men. John 17, 24. 

170. What else did lie undertake , after his 

exaltation ? 
The setting up, and ruling over his kingdom 
of grace, on earth. 

171. Whose kingdom did he destroy through 

his death I 
The kingdom of satan. 1. John 3, 8. 

172. Whose kingdom , on the other hand, did 

he set up I 
The kingdom of God, over which the Father 
has placed him as reigning prince. Ps, 2, 6.; 
Luke 11, 20. 

173 i Through whom did he set up this kingdom ? 

Through his Holy Spirit, in the ministry of 
the apostles, whom he qualified therefor. Acts 
1, 5. 8. 

174. Which is his kingdom ? 

It is not a kingdom of this world ; but is the 
holy christian church. John 18, 36.; Eph. 1, 22. 

175. Does he, himself, exercise dominion in 

this kingdom ? 
Yes : he is the founder, and the king there- 
of. Ps. 93, 1.; 96, 10. 

176. Who are the people of this kingdom ? 

Believers from among all nations. They are 
his people, who are zealous of good works. 
Tit. 2, 14. 



34 OF THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST. 



177. What do they enjoy under his government I 
Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy 
Ghost. Rom. 14, 17. 

178. How does he govern his kingdom ? 
Not in a worldly, but in a spiritual way, 
through the word, which is the sceptre of his 
kingdom. Ps. 110, 2. 

179. Is he not also Lord over the kingdoms 
of this world I 

Yes : he is Lord of lords, King of kings ; 
yea, all creatures are subject unto him. Rev. 
17, 14.- 1. Tim. 6, 15.; Ps. 8, 7. &c. 



IV. OF SANCTIFICATION. 



1. OF THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY 
GHOST. 



180. How do we become partakers of the pre- 
ciously procured salvation, by Christ ?- 
Through the office, and the operation of the 
Holy Spirit. 

181. Who sent the Holy Spirit ? 
The Lord Jesus after his exaltation sent him, 
as he had promised : If I depart, I will send 
him unto you. John 16, 7. 

182. Upon whom did the Lord Jesus, at first, 
shed the Holy Spirit ? 
Upon his disciples and apostles, with power 



OF THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST. 35 

from on high on the first day of Pentecost. 
Acts 2, 4.; Luke 24, 49. 

188. What did the Holy Ghost do through 

the apostles ? 
He reproved the world, because of unbelief. 
John 16, 8. 

184. What more did he do ? 
He magnified the Lord Jesus through preach- 
ing, and miracles wrought by the apostles. 
John 16, 14.; Acts 4, 10. 

185. What did the apostles preach ? 
They preached the gospel to every creature, 
as Christ had commanded them. Mark 16, 15. 

186. What is the gospel ? 
It is the comfort-giving message, that God 
is reconciled to the world, through Jesus Christ: 
and, that all will be saved who believe in Christ. 

187. What is the design of preaching the gospel ? 
That men' should repent, be converted, and 
believe in Christ. Acts 26, 18.; 16, 31. 

188. Does this gospel concern all men ' 
Yes : For God desires that all men should 
come to the knowledge of the truth. 1. Tim. 
2, 4.; Col. 1, 23. 

189 . Will he also give his Holy Spirit unto all J 
Yes : the Father in heaven will give his Holy 

Spirit unto all, who ask therefor. Luke 11, 13. 

190. What is the office of the Holy Ghost, when 

given unto men ? 
It is the office of the Holy Ghost to impart. 



<i6 OF THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST. 



or apply to men, in the order by which salva- 
tion is obtained, the redemption (salvation) 
designed by the Father, procured by the Son, 
and proclaimed by his power. 

191. How does the Holy Spirit go to work in 
his official functions ? 
He makes use of, of his office of teaching and 
reproving, likewise using the office of chastising 
and comforting. 

192. What does the Holy Ghost design to 
effectuate with men in this way ? 

By teaching and reproving, he designs to 
lead them into the order of salvation. By guid- 
ing, or chastising and comforting, he will keep 
and confirm them therein. 

193. What benefit have we if we yield and give 
heed to the operations of the Holy Spirit ? 
We become converted, and are made believ- 
ers, we are justified, regenerated and purified, 
and prepared and made meet for eternal life. 
1. Cor. 6, 11. 

194. What is the office (wcrrk) of the Holy 

Ghost otherwise called % 
Sanctification. Rom. 15, 16. 

195. How necessary is sanctification [holiness) ? 
Without sanctification (holiness) no man shall 
see the Lord. Heb. 12, 14. 

196. What was the decree of God concerning 
such sanctification ? 
That we should thereby be renewed, after 



OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 37 

the image of God, after which we were created, 
and which we have lost. Col. 3, 10. (Quest. 57.) 

197. What is the order of solvation, into 

which the Holy Ghost, would lead us, through 

the gospel ? 

Repentance towards God, and faith in our 

Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20, 21.; Mark 1, 15. 

198. What use should we make of this order 
of salvation ? 

In repentance, we are to put off the sinful 
evil ; by faith receive and appropriate the sav- 
ing benefits of Christ. By repentance, we turn 
from sin ; by faith, we turn to God. 

199. Give me now a summary of what we have 
thus far learned; and of what we are to learn 
hereafter ?~ 
We have thus far learned, what the Triune- 
God has done for us. We are now to learn, 
what we must do, to obtain salvation, and the 
communion of God. 



2. OF KEPENTANCE AND FAITH. 



1. OF REPENTANCE. 

200. What is repentance ? 
It is an internal change of the mind and will. 

201. How was man disposed before repentance ? 
His carnal mind was enmity against God. 
Rom. 8, 7. 



38 OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 

202. Is he still an enemy to God, after his 

repentance ? 
No : he has become a friend of God ; and he 
delights in Him. 

203. How had he been disposed towards sin ? 
He took pleasure in sinning, and sought every 
occasion to commit sin. 

204. Is he still so disposed, after his repentance ? 
No : he hates sin, and shuns every opportu- 
nity to commit sin. Ps. 97, 10. 

205. What follows an internal change of the 
mind ? 
External reformation of the whole deport- 
ment of life, in gestures, words and actions. 
Rom. 12, 2.; Eph. 4, 17. 25. 

206. From what is man converted, in true 

repentance ? 
From sin and the power of satan. Acts 26, 18. 

207. Unto whom is man converted? 
Unto God and his communion. 

208 . If we are converted from sin, what ought 
we to do ? 
To learn to know our original and actual sins, 
with shame and sorrow. Ps. 51, 5. 

209. Is it enough, only to know our sins ? 
No : we must sincerely repent of, and abhor 
our sins. 2. Cor. 7, 10. 11. 

210. Through what is a hatred of sin produced ? 
Through the knowledge, and consciousness 



OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 39 



of the wrath of God ; especially as he has man- 
ifested himself in the sufferings of Christ. Ps, 
32, 3. 4. 

211. What follows th e h aired of 8 in i 
A sincere purpose to renounce, and in future, 
to avoid all sin. Prov. 28, 13. 

212. What might be the most povi erf ul motive 
to true repentance ? 
The sincere love of the Father and the Son, 
as shown to us lost sinners, in the bitter suffer- 
ings and death of Christ, from which we may 
perceive the extreme heinousness of sin. 1. 
John 4, 9. 10. 

213. Can we, of ourselves, begin our conversion ? 
Alas, not: but by the prevenient grace of 

God, procured by Christ, called by God, is ever 
ready to lead us unto conversion, if we do not 
resist this grace. Tit, 2, 11. 12. 

214. What does grace do, in moving the sinner 

to conversion ? 
By the rays of the light of grace, the under- 
standing and the conscience are penetrated, so 
that the sinner sees, that he is destituted of 
something essential, and, at the same time, 
exciting a desire, or secret sighing in the will 
for something better. 

21."). How does grace succeed in producing 
conversion ? 

If the sinner cherish the first ray of the light 
of grace, by prayer, grace will then advance 
its work in him. 



40 OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 

216. By what means are we converted unto God? 
Through faith in Jesus Christ. No man 
cometh unto the Father, but through (by.) him. 
John 14, 6.; Acts 26, 18. 

217. Of how many principal parts does true 

christian repentance consist ? 
Of two principal parts : namely : in remorse : 
and, in believing. 

218. What does it benefit us, and what do we 

obtain by repentance ? 
We obtain the pardon of our sins, and the 
favor of a merciful God. Isa. 1, 16. 18.; HeK 
8, 12. 

2. OF FAITH. 

2iy. What is true faith ? 
Faith is a divine light, by which the penitent 
sinner knows Jesus Christ, with assurance, as- 
the only Saviour: it is a living divine power ,, 
by which he lays hold of, and appropriates to 
himself, with heartfelt confidence, Christ with 
all his benefits. 

220. How many parts has true faith? 
Three : Knowledge, assent, and confidence : 
or i knowledge with assent ; desire with sighing ■ 
apprehension with consolation. 

221. Whence does faith come ? 
Faith is a gift of God, and an effect in tibe 
soul wrought by the Holy Spirit through the 
word of the living God. Col. 2, 12.: Eph, 1, 
19.: Rom. 10, 17. 



OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 41 



222. What is the only object ( Vorwurf) of faith ? 
The constant object of faith is the Triune- 
God : but more especially the Mediator, Jesus 
Christ. Deut. 5, 7.: 1. Tim. 2, 5. 

223. By what is true faith known ? 
It is known by its efficacy, and its fruits. 

224. What efficacy does faith possess ? 
Faith has a justifying efficacy, or power, 
through which we obtain the pardon of sins, 
for Christ's sake. It has a sanctifying power, 
by which we are absolved from the dominion 
of sin, and do overcome the world. Rom. 4, 5. ; 
Acts 15, 9.; 1. John 5,4. 

225. What fruits does true faith produce ? 

The fruits of the Spirit, or good works, which 
are love, obedience and trust in God, and the 
like. 2. Pet. 1, 5—7.; Gal. 5, 22. 

226. Does faith work by love ? 
Yes : thereby it is known, to be true faith, 
which prevails with God. Gal. 5, 6. 

227. Why are such good works called, the fruits 

of the spirit, or of faith ? 

Because the Holy Spirit is , as it were, the 

sap (alburnum) in faith, which brings forth 

fruits in the Trees of Righteousness. Isa. 61 , 3. 

228. Is there not also a false faith ? 
Yes : many have a dead, a feigned, and spe- 
cious faith. 



4:2 OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH. 

229. Whence comes a fa he faith ? 
ft is deduced by the powers of the mind, 
from the bare letter of the Scripture : and, is 
therefore, mere human imagination. 

230. Wliat is lacking in this faith ? 
It lacks both the divine light, and divine 
power, or efficacy, consequently it lacks good 
fruits. Jas. 2, 17. 26. 

231 . What does it benefit us , if we yield to the 
order of repentance and faith ? 
In this order, we will be delivered from all 
misery ; and, be made partakers of all the bene- 
fits procured by Jesus Christ. 

232. In what consists the misery, from which 
we are delivered I 
In the guilt of sin, in the dominion of sin, 
and in the punishment of sin. 

233. Is the believer then delivered from all 

these evils ? 
Yes : the guilt of sin is pardoned; the cruel 
dominion of sin is broken, temporal and eternal 
punishment remitted. 2. Sam. 12, 13.; Rom. 
6, 14.; Zeph. 3, 15. 

234. In what consists the blessedness, which 
penitents obtain through faith ? 

They are made children of God, by faith. 
They are united with Christ, and become mem- 
bers of his body. They become temples of the 
Holy Spirit, that dwells and works in them, 
iifll. 8, 26.; Eph. 5, 30.; 1. Cor. 3, 16. 



OF JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION. 43 



3. OF JUSTIFICATION AND 
KEGENEEATION. 



285. What have we to attend to, in these things 
in the order of salvation ? 
That both justification and regeneration be- 
long together, and take place at the same time, 
so that one cannot be without the other. 

23G. Why cannot one take place without 
the other ? 
If man is to be justified, he must always have 
the life of faith, and be regenerated. Again if 
any one is regenerated, his sins must be par- 
doned before God in the act of justification. 

287. What distinction must be made between 

justification and regeneration ? 
Justification is properly an act of God. Re- 
generation takes place with, and in us. Justifi- 
cation has to do with the guilt and punishment 
of sin. Regeneration stands opposed to the 
indwelling evil of sin; or, spiritual death. 



1. OF JUSTIFICATION. 

238 . What kind of act is justification by faith ? 
It is the gracious act of God, imputing to 
the penitent sinner, the Righteousness of Jesus 
Christ, by reason of which, his sins are par- 
doned. Rom. 3, 24.; 4, 6. 7. 8. 



44 OF JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION. 



239. What is here to be understood by the 
Righteousness of Jesus Christ ? 

The whole of his obedience, which he ren- 
dered to his heavenly Father, in our stead ; as, 
also the fulfilling of the Law, as he bore our 
punishment. Horn. 5, 19.: Mat. 5, 17.; Isa. 53, 5. 

240. Why is this obedience called a 
Righteousness ? 
Because , through Christ's obedience, there 
has been again procured to us a Right to our 
lost, or forfieted happiness. 2. Cor. 5, 21. 

241. But how can Chrisfs obedience be imputed 
to sinners ? 
Because Christ, in the divine economy, be- 
came their substitute , and their sins were im- 
puted to Him. So, Christ's righteousness and 
obedience are imputed to them, as though 
they themselves had rendered obedience. Isa. 
53, 6. 11. 12.; Rom. 4, 24. 25. 

242. Why is this justification called: 
a justification by faith ? 
Because, faith, in Christ (which apprehends 
Christ entire) appropriates, to itself this right- 
eousness. Rom. 3, 22.: 4, 5.; Phil. 3, 9. 

243. What do we obtain from God, by faith, 
on account of Chrisfs imputed righteousness ? 
The forgiveness of sins, peace with God in 
our conscience. Eph. 1, 7.; Rom. 5, 1. 2. 

244. What sins does God forgive? 
Every sin, penitently confessed, and repented 
of. Ps. 103, 3.; 1. John 1, 7.; Ps. 51, 5. 



OF JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION. 45 

:i4G. In what then, consists the forgiveness 
of sins ? 

In the gracious remission of the guilt and 
the punishment of sin, for Christ's sake, who 
has atoned for, and bore the punishment of sin. 
Ps. 32, 5.; Mich. 7, 18. 19.; 1. John 1, 9. 

246. Is this justification really brought to 
marts consciousness ? 

Yes : it is effectually felt in the conscience, 
and sealed by the witness of the Holy Spirit in 
the heart. Rom. 8, 16.; Eph. 4, 30. 

247. What other fruits of justification, are in 
the believers heart ? 
Justifying faith manifest its sanctifying effi- 
cacy, to resist every sin, to purge ourself from 
sin, perfecting sanctification (holiness) in the 
fear of God. Rom. 5, 21.; 6, 14. 18. 22.; 2. 
Cor. 7, 1. 

248. What is meant by: Faith justifies ? 
It is because , that faith apprehends the 
abundant rich grace of God , which is made 
accessible , through the merits of Christ ; and 
it appropriates the same to itself. Faith is the 
hand, as it were, in this matter. Rom. 1, 17.; 
8, 28. 

249. It is also said: The merit of Christ 
justifies ? 

True : the merit of Christ is the efficient 
cause. Grace offers us justification ; but faith 
apprehends it. Rom. 5, 19. 



46 OF JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION, 

250. Is it not also said: God, or the grace of 

God justifies ? 

Yes : for God with his grace is the original 

cause, the grace of God imputes the merits of 

Christ unto faith. Rom. 3, 24—26.; 8, 33.; 

Phil. 3, 9. 

251 . Are then these three inseparable , or united; 
the grace of God; the merits of Christ; and, our 
faith, in our justification, in the divine economy ? 
It cannot take place otherwise. Christ pro- 
cured justification ; grace offers it ; faith appre- 
hends, and appropriates it to the believer. The 
word proclaims it, and the Holy Ghost confirms 
the same. 1. Cor. 6, 11. 



2. OF REGENERATION. 

252. What is regeneration ? 
It is the gracious act of God, in quickening 
man from spiritual death , and translating him 
into spiritual life ; changing the heart and mind, 
making him a partaker of the divine nature. 
1. John 3, 14.; John 5, 25.; Eph. 4, 23.; 2, 
Pet. 1, 4. 

253. How necessary is regeneration I 
Except a man be born again , he cannot see 
the kingdom of God. John 3, 3. 

254. Why is it called a being born ? 
Because, something is brought forth in man, 
that did not before exist. Gal. 4, 19.; 1. Cor, 
2,16. 



OF JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION. 47 



255. What is brought forth in man ? 
The form and mind of Christ, a new man, a 
new spiritual life, a powerful impulse to every 
good. Eph. 4, 23. 24. 

256. What is spiritual death ? 
It is such a condition, in which man is in- 
capable of, and dead to all spiritual good ; yea. 
he is prone to, and active in all that is evil. 
Eph. 2, 1.; 4, 18. 

257. What is spiritual life ? 
It is such a condition in which man is willing 
and capable to know and love God : and, to 
cease from evil. Rom. 8, 6. 

258. Whence does man obtain regeneration % 
From above, through the Holy Ghost, of the 
incorruptable seed of the living word of God. 
John 3, 5. 6.; James 1, 17. 18.; 1. Pet. 1, 23, 

259. What is the new man 1 

It is a new, spiritual quality and nature, 
produced by faith in Christ. Eph. 5, 30.: Gal. 
3, 26. 

260. Why is it called, man ? 
Because, this new nature embraces the whole 

man, in all his parts; and for the same reason, 
the sinful nature, is called the old man. 

261. What is the principal quality of the 
new man ? 

That he loves God, and that which is good ; 
and, on the contrary, he hates that which is 
evil Rom. 12, 9.: Ps. 97, 10. 



48 OF JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION. 



262. Must this new man also grow and 
increase ? 
Yes : the new, spiritual nature , which is 
produced in regeneration, must ever become 
stronger. 

268. In what must the new man increase ? 

In all his qualities, in spiritual life, in know- 
ledge, in faith, in charity, hope, meekness, 
humility, patience, &c. 

264. Is this also the working of the Holy Ghost ? 
Yes : if Christ dwells, by faith, in our hearts, 
then we will be strengthened with might, by his 
spirit, in the inner man. Eph. 3, 16. 

265* What is the new marts food (nourishment), 
in this increase ? 
Christ is the new man's milk, and strong 
meat, through faith. J ohn 6, 35. 

266. What more takes place, in this increase 

of the new man ? 
A continued cleansing from all besetting 
sins. Heb. 12, 1.; 2. Cor. 7, 1. 

267. Have the regenerated still any besetting 

sins ? 
Yes : there still dwells in them the root of 
original sin, although this sin has been deprived 
of its dominion. Rom. 7, 18. 

268. Are they sometimes overcome, by 
original sin t 
Yes : they are sometimes overcome , in 
thought, word and deed. There are excited in 



OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 41* 

them inordinate emotions to anger, slothful- 
ness, pride, selfishness, obstinacy, impatience, 
lasciviousness, &c. 

269. How do they [purify) or cleanse themselves 
from these besetting evils (improprieties) ? 
By daily appropriating to themselves, by 

faith, the blood of Jesus Christ; and by a 

constant struggle with indwelling sin. 1. John 

1,7.; Heb. 12. 1.; 2. Cor. 7, 1. 

270. What do they accomplish by this 
struggling ? 
They weaken, thereby, the excitement to 
sin ; and sins of overhasting are less frequent. 

271. Who performs this p urifying ? 
The Holy Ghost gives the efficacy and power ; 
but believers have faithfully to use these powers. 



4. OF THE OTHEE 

BENEFITS OF SALVATION OF THE 

REGENERATED, 



272, What benefits of salvation do believers 

receive from their heavenly Father! 
1) Adoption. 2) Fatherly care. 3) Everlast- 
ing inheritance, 

273. Is the heavenly Father then inclined to 
adopt believers, as his children. 
Yes : God has predestinated (ordained) us 
unto the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ. 
Eph. 1, 5. 



50 OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 

274. We, needy sinners, certainly have no 
privilege thereto ? 

No : but the only begotten Son of God, has 
procured this privilege for us. John 1, 12.; 
Gal. 4, 4. 5. 

275. How do we become partakers of this 

procured privilege ? 
We become' the children of God through 
faith, in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3, 26. 

276. When does adoption take place ? 
Adoption takes place in the act of justifica- 
tion. In regeneration God begets children unto 
himself. John 1, 13.; Jas. 1, 18. 

277. What do the children of God receive from 
their heavenly Father ? 
They receive the spirit of adoption, which 
moves them effectually to filial confidence, and 
obedience , and cries in them : Abba, Father. 
Rom. 8, 14—16.; Gal. 4, 6. 

278. What do they further receive ? 
The mind and disposition of their heavenly 
Father, to filially love, fear and honor him ; 
and bear his chastisements as tokens of adop- 
tion. Luke 6, 33. 36.; 1. John 5, 1. 2.; 1. Pet. 
1,17.; 1. John 3, 22.; Heb. 12, 7. 

279. What special privileges have they ? 
At all times, to draw nigh unto God, and 
commune with him, like children with their 
affectionate father. 1. John 5, 14. 15.; Eph, 
2, 18.; 3, 12. 



OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 51 

280. What do they further enjoy ? 
God's fatherly care. To which he is moved 
by his paternal love and mercy. 1. Pet. 5, 7.; 
Ps. 55, 23.; John 16, 27.; Ps. 103, 13. 14. 

281. With what does he provide them? 
With all temporal and spiritual necessaries, 
and preservation. Mat. 6, 31. 32.; Ps. 34, 8.; 
23, 1.; 91, 11. 12. 

282. May they use the creatures of God? 

Yes : to meet their wants, and comforts — 
1) with thanksgiving, 2) contentedness and 
moderation, 3) in their ordinary labor. Ecc. 
9, 7.; 1. Tim. 4, 4.; 6, 8.; 2. Thess. 3, 10. 

283. Does God bless their labor? 
Yes : He blesses their temporal and spiritual 
labor, and establishes the work of their hands. 
Ps. 90, 17.; 147, 11. 

284. But, their good works are not at all 
perfect ? 

He covers the imperfection of their works 
with the merits of his Son ; in him, their head, 
they have every perfection. Col. 1, 22.; 2, 10. 

285. Does He also reward their works ? 
Yes : he rewards all their works with a tem- 
poral , spiritual and eternal reward. Mat. 10, 
41. 42. 

286. What other special advantage is thert 
connected^ with adoption ? 

Temporal and eternal inheritance. If we 
are children, then are we heirs of God. Ronu 
8, 17. 



52 OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 



287. In what consists their present inheritance ? 
In the first place , G od himself is their por- 
tion and heritage. They also possess the gifts 
and bounties of their heavenly Father , in the 
kingdom of nature and grace. Gen. 15, 1.; 
Lam. 3, 24.; 1. Cor. 3, 21. 22. 

288. In what consists their future inheritance? 
In the glory of eternal life. 1. Pet. 1,4. 5.; 

Tit. 3, 7.; Mat. 25, 34. 

289. Will the ungodly have no portion in this 

inheritance ? 
The ungodly shall not inherit the kingdom 
of God. 1. Cor. 6,9. 

290. The children of God nevertheless partici- 
pate in common with the only begotten Son, in 

all their blessing ? 
Yes : God has called them unto the fellow- 
ship of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1. Cor. 1, 9.; 
1. John 1, 3. 

29 1 . What benefits flow from the fellowship of 

the Son of God? 
Justification, peace and liberty. 

292. What is here meant by justification ? 

The right to eternal life , which Christ pro- 
cured by his obedience , and which is imputed 
to us, in justification, by faith. Isa. 61, 10, 
(See Quest. 238. 239. &c.) 

293. What is there connected in receiving such 
justification ? 
Spiritual strength, to overcome every evil, 
and to perform every christian duty, and to 



OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 53 

grow in every good work. Isa. 45, 24.; Eph. 
6,10. 

294. Do believers increase in strength 7 
Yes : in Christ there are little children, 
vonng men, men, or fathers. 1. John 2, 12. 
13.: Eph. 4, 13. 

295. Whereby do they increase in strength ? 

By Christ giving them his body to eat , his 
blood to drink, by faith, thereby the life of 
Christ interpenetrates them, and they become 
strong, and are also comforted in death. John 
6, 47. 51. 54.; Rom. 8, 37—39.; Ps. 23, 4. 

29 6 . What more follows from such justification ? 
Inward peace with God ; and outward just- 
ification of life. Horn. 5, 1.; 1. John 3, 7.; 
Isa. 32, 17. 

297. Who is the author of this peace ? 
Christ, the prince of peace, established this 
peace through the shedding of his blood upon 
the cross, and proclaimed , and gave peace. 
Isa. 9, 6.; 27, 5.; Col. 1, 20.; Eph. 2, 14. 17.; 
John 14, 27. 

298. What kind of peace is it ? 

It is the peace of God with us — our peace 
with God — a peace in our conscience — a 
peace with all men. 

299. Where is this peace to be ? 

It is to govern and preserve our hearts and 
minds, in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4, 7. 



54 OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 

300. How do we feel this peace in our hearts ? 
It is a joyous and calm ease of mind, in the 

grace of a reconciled God. 

301 . Do not the ungodly partake of this peace ? 
There is no peace, says the Lord , unto the 

wicked. Isa. 48, 22.; 57, 20. 21. 

302. What is the third benefit, flowing unto us y 
from the fellowship with Christ ? 

Spiritual liberty. 

303. Are believers free ? 
Because the Son of God makes them free, 
they are free indeed. John 8, 36. 

304. Of what are they free ? 
They are free from the law, wherein they 
were held. Rom. 7, 6. 

305. From what law ? 
In the first place, from the law of the Jewish 
ecclesiastical hierarchy and temporal polity. 

306. How long was this law to continue 

in force ? 

Until the coming of Christ, who has broken 

down the middle wall of partition ; namely, 

the law of the commandments contained in 

ordinances. Eph. 2, 14. 

307. Are believers also free from the civil and 

moral law, contained in the decalogue ? 

They are free from the curse and constraint 

of the law, because they voluntarily discharge 

the duties which the law demands, The law 



OP THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 55 

is, nevertheless, a light unto them. Gal. 3, 13.; 
Rom. 6, 14.; 1. Tim. 1, 8. 9.; Ps. 119, 105. 

308. From what more are they free ? 
They are free from the dominion of sin, and 
from an evil conscience. Rom. 6, 14.: Heb. 
10, 22. 

309. How does the freeing from the dominion 

of sin take place ? 

That as sin has reigned unto death, even so 

might grace reign through righteousness, unto 

eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 

5, 21.; 6, 16. 

310. How does the freeing from an evil 
conscience take place ? 
By justification , in which guilt and punish- 
ment are remitted ; and through sanctification, 
in which the conscience is enlightened and 
governed by the Holy Ghost. Rom. 5, 1.; 2. 
Cor. 3, 17.; Rom. 8, 16. 

311. Are they, at the same time, freed from 

servile fear ? 
Yes : sei'vile fear of God and of his temporal 
and eternal punishment, with an evil consci- 
ence , cease at once : for perfect love casts 
out fear. 2, Tim. 1, 7,; Rom, 8, 15.; 1. John 
4, 18. 

312. Are they also freed from the wrath of God: 
Yes : they are kept by Christ from wrath, 
being justified through his blood. Rom. 6, 9.; 
Im, 54, 9, 



56 OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 



313. Are they also freed from death? 
Yes: from temporal, spiritual and eternal 
death. John 8, 51. 

314. How are they freed from temporal death ? 
That they need not suffer it, as a punishment. 

315. Must not believers die as well as 
unbelievers ? 
* They must, to besure, die ; and although they 
die, death cannot retain them in his power, 
death is swallowed up in victory ; for sin, as 
the sting of death, is remitted unto them. John 
11, 25.; Isa. 26, 19.; 1. Cor. 15, 55. 56. 

316. How is the death of believers to be 

regarded? 

As a gentle sleep ; and, as a going unto the 

Father. In faith they fear death as little, as 

one who is tired, dreads his couch. Dan. 12, 

13.; Isa. 57, 2.; John 11, 11.; 1. Cor. 15, 20. 

317. How are they freed from spiritual death ? 
In regeneration, they have obtained, by faith 
in the name of Jesus, spiritual life. John 20, 
31. (See Quest. 252.) 

318. Are they also freed from eternal death, 

hell and perdition ? 
They shall not be hurt of the second death • 
for Jesus has delivered them from the wrath 
to come. 1. Thess. 1, 10.; Rev. 2, 11. 

319. But, are they delivered from the power 

of the devil? 
Yes : they are delivered from the power of 
darkness : Satan has no power over their under- 



OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 57 

standing and will, neither over the body, or 
the members thereof : he, as their accuser, is 
cast down. Col. 1, 13.; Rev. 12, 10. 

320. Are they also delivered from his snares , 
and temptations ? 
Not as yet, he still goes about to devour 
them. 1. Pet. 5, 8. 

321 . Can they overcome sat an ? 
Yes : The Serpent-bruiser, Jesus Christ, has 
given the vantage-ground to victory, and they 
can overcome him by the blood of the lamb. 
Gen. 3, 15.; Rev. 12, 11. 

322. Wherewith do they overcome him ? 
With their spiritual panoply by faith, through 
the word of God, by prayer, and spiritual watch- 
ing. Eph. 6, 13—18.; 1. Pet. 5, 8.; 1. John 
2, 14.; Mat. 17, 21. 

323. These are serious evils, from which be- 
lievers are delivered; but to what have they now 
free access ? 
To every thing, to which children of God 
have access. Rom. 8. 21. (See Quest. 279.) 

321. In what does it consist ? 
In having free access to the heavenly Father ; 
and to the communion of saints ; they are par- 
takers of all the treasures of salvation in Christ 
their brother ; access to the gifts of the Holy 
Ghost, and to devote all their powers to the 
honor of God, and to possess the inheritance 
of eternal glory, 



58 OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 



325. What other benefits do believers receive 

from Jesus Christ ? 
His Holy Spirit, which is poured out upon 
them abundantly, in the regeneration, through 
Jesus Christ their Saviour, that he abides and 
works in them. Tit. 3, 5. 6.; Rom. 8, 9. 14. 

326. What benefits of salvation flow unto them 
from the communion of the Holy Ghost ? 
Illumination, spiritual joy and the indwelling 

of the Holy Spirit. 

327. From whom comes illumination? 
From the Holy Ghost, who enlightens us 
with his gifts. I, Cor. 2, 10.; Ps. 118, 27. 

328. What is it, that is, properly speaking, 

illuminated in man % 
The darkened understanding, and the con- 
science of man. Eph. 1, 18,; 4, 18. 

;^29, What is imparted to the understanding by 
illumination ? 
A spiritual faculty to know and to discern, 
with divine approbation , spiritual truth , and 
to prove all this according to the rule of the 
word of God. 1. Cor. 2, 15.; Eom. 12, 2.; 1, 
John 4, 1. 

330. Who are internally illuminated by the 

Spirit of God? 
All who yield themselves to the order of 
regeneration and renewing of the mind. 



OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 59 

331. Can any one remaining spiritually dead^ 
be illuminated ? 
No, it is written : Arise from the dead, and 
Christ shall give thee light. Eph. 5, 14. 

332. What refreshing comfort does the soul 
enjoy by internal illumination ? 

Spiritual joy ; or the joy of the Holy Ghost, 
which is joined with true peace. Rom. 14, 17.; 
Isa. 61, 10. 

333. WJiy is it called , a spiritual joy ? 
To distinguish it from natural and sinful joy 
over that which is wicked, or at the misfortune 
of others. 

334. Who causes this sinful joy ? 
The wicked spirit, who worketh in the child- 
ren of disobedience (unbelief). Eph. 2, 2. 

335. Who causes spiritual joy ? 
The Holy Ghost. 1. Thess. 1, 6. 

336. In what order does he cause this joy? 

In the order of repentance and faith, in 
which man dies in godly sorrow unto sin, appre- 
hends the benefits of Christ, and unites himself 
with him. 

337. What is joy? 

A gentle and pleasing emotion of the mind 
under great delight. 

338. Whence does this arise ? 
Partly, from the enjoyment of the present 
blessings of salvation; partly, from a foretaste 
of the powers of the world to come, reserved 



60 OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF SALVATION. 

in heaven. John 16, 24.; Heb. 6, 5.; Ps. 51, 
10.; Luke 10, 20. 

339. What arises from this joy ? 
The praise of God; kindness towards the 
neighbor , and growth in every good work. 
Luke 1, 47.; Ps. 119, 32.; Neh. 8, 10. 

340. Where will this joy be complete ? 
In heaven, where there is fullness of joy, at 
the right hand of God, where there are pleasures 
forevermore. Mat. 25, 21.; Ps. 16, 11. 

341. What further jiows unto believers, from 
the communion of the indwelling of the 
Holy Ghost ? 
The guidance of the Holy Ghost. Ps. 143, 
10.; Gal. 5, 18. 

342. In what consists the guidance of the 
Holy Ghost? 

That he performs in the soul of the child of 
God, the office of correction, teaching, reprov- 
ing, and comforting. Rom 8, 14. (See Quest. 
191, &c.) 

343. How does he govern the understanding ? 
The Holy Ghost illuminates the understand- 
ing, and convinces it of error in doctrine and 
life : — filling man with the knowledge of God 
and of his will ; and moves the believer to the 
examination of divine truth. 

344. How does he govern the will ? 
He draws the will from that which is evil, 
and excites a love for the highest good, and 
inspires him to practice the good. 



OF CONSCIENCE, 61 

345. What does he to the conscience ? 
He heals the conscience by the assurance of 
the pardon of sins, and the love of God. 

346. How should they then demean themselves f 
who are under the guidance of the Holy Ghost ? 

They should submit willingly and obediently 
to his salutary admonition, and instruction, lest 
they prevent his consolations. Eph. 4, 30. 

347. According to all this , what is , in short, 
the great advantage of believers, over 

unbelievers ? 
The triune God dwells in them, unites with 
them ; and they, therefore, enjoy all spiritual 
strength, life consolation and the assurance of 
eternal salvation. John 14, 23.; 17, 23.; 1. 
John 1, 3.; Col. 1, 21. 22. 



5. OF THE OEDEE OF 

SALVATION EELATIVE TO DUTIES 

TO BE PEEFOEMED, 



1. OF CONSCIENCE. 
348. What is the internal Rule of Conduct of 
practical duties ? 
The Conscience. 

349. What is Conscience? 
It is a judiciary witness, or consciousness,*) 



*) The word, Consciousness, denotes the immediate 
knowledge which the mind has of its sensations 
and thoughts, and, in general, of all its present 
operations . Translator. 



62 OF CONSCIENCE. 

which God has implanted in the heart of every 
man. 1. King 2, 44.; Ecc. 7, 22.; Rom. 1, 19, 

350. What is the work (office) of the conscience ? 
It has a three-fold office : 1) It dictates laws, 
2) It witnesses of deeds done. 3) It pronounces 
judiciary sentences. Rom. 2, 15.; 2. Cor. 1, 
12.; Acts 23, 1. 

351. How does conscience execute these three 

offices in man ? 
It employs The Understanding, to notice, 
and dictate ; The Memory, to know what has 
been done , and to bear witness ; The Will, 
to approve, or disapprove of actions. 

352. Does the office of the conscience oblige 

(constrain) man to obedience t 
Undoubtedly; for God evinces himself 
through the conscience as a lawgiver, witness 
and judge. Rom. 2, 15. 16. 

353. What is called a good conscience ? 
That which bears man a good testimony. 
Properly speaking, that is a right and good 
conscience, which is so enlightened by the Holy 
Ghost, that it decides consciously according to 
the word of God. 1. Pet. 3, 16. 21.; Job 27, 
6.; 1. Tim. 1, 5. 19. 

354. Are there not also doubting , erroneous^ 

and blinded consciences ? 

Certainly ; but these defects of the conscience 

arise, in part, from natural depravity, in part, 

from habit, or from hardness in sin. Heb. 10, 22, 



OF CONSCIENCE. 6& 



355. How may these deficiencies of the conscience 

be corrected? 
* If we turn to God with all the heart, and 
read the holy scriptures attentively, inquire 
after the will of God, then the Holy Ghost will 
fully enlighten and improve the conscience. 
Acts 17, 11.; Heb. 9, 14.; Rom. 9, 1. 

356. What is called an evil conscience ? 
A conscience which bears condemnatory wit- 
ness, namely, when one is conscious of having 
done wrong and meritted punishment ; there- 
fore he feels the divine wrath in the conscience, 
as a gnawing worm of the soul. 1. Sam. 16, 
14. 15.; Wisd. 17, 10—13.; Isa. 66, 24, 

357. So then conscience may be viewed differently 

according to the condition of man ? 
Yes : in a state of grace, man has a right, 
pure, quiet and joyful conscience. Acts 24, 16.; 
Heb. 13, 18. 

358. What kind of a conscience, has man in the 

state of nature ? 
If he lives in a state of security, he has a 
dormant, a stifled and seared, or an unfeeling 
conscience. If he is in a state of bondage, then 
he has an uneasy, fearful and doubting con- 
science. 1. Tim. 4, 2.; Tit. 1, 15. 

369. What kind of conscience is that, which is 

the internal rule of conduct, of our practical 

duties ? 

It is the free, good conscience, which a man 

has, in the state of grace, and which is not 



64 OF DUTIES. 



through the darkness of sin prevented from per- 
forming its work. 1. Tim. 3, 9. 

360. The practical duties are various. How* 

may they be classed ? 
They may be fitly classed, into duties towards 
God ; duties towards ourselves ; duties towards 
others. 

Nota. Duties are otherwise called , good 
works. _____ 

2. OF THE DUTIES TOWARDS GOD. 

861. Upon what ground do we owe duties 
to God? 

Because He is the most excellent sovereign, 
under whom we are ; and, because, He has con- 
ferred upon us so manifold saving benefits, 
through his works, namely, in creating and 
preserving us, in redeeming and sanctifying us. 

362. What are the duties, towards God, 
usually called? 
Divine worship. 

363. What internal duties belong to divine 
wo7 % ship ? 

Sincere love, filial fear, humility, reverence, 
and resignation to the will of God, hearty con- 
fidence and hope. 

364. What external duties belong thereto? 

Calling upon God, appropriate ministering 
of the word of God ; public confession of the 
faith, and obedience to the commandments of 
God. 



OF DUTIES. 65 

305. In what consists, calling upon God? 

In petitioning for the averting of evil ; and 
in praying for the obtaining of good ; in making 
intercession for others; in praising or thanks- 
giving for past favors. L Tim. 2, 1.; Ps. 50, 
14. 15. 

366. What is prayer, or calling upon God? 
Prayer is the raising of the heart (Geraueth) 
to God, and communion (Gespraech) with God, 
Ps. 25, 1.; 19, 14.; Gen. 18, 27. 

367. Is prayer a necessary duty ? 
Certainly : our temporal and spiritual wants 
require it at all times. God has expressly com- 
manded it, and promised to grant us what we 
ask ; the examples of holy men confirm it. 1. 
Thess. 5, 17.; Mat. 7, 7.; Isa. 65, 24. 

368. What honor do we give God, if we pray 

aright ? 

We give him the honor due his majesty and 

glory, namely, that he is almighty, omniscient, 

omnipresent, the fullness of all goodness, of all 

grace and mercy. 

369. How do we pray aright ? 
If we pray in true faith, and in the name of 
Jesus Christ, and with true devotion, with fer- 
vency, with unfeigned humility and perseve- 
rance, and all addressed to the only true God. 
Mark 11, 24.; John 14, 14.; 4, 23.; Jas. 5, 16.; 
Gen, 18, 27.; 1. Thess. 5, 17.; Mat. 4, 10. 

370, How do we pray, in the name of Christ? 
If we approach God, as commanded by 

5 



66 OF DUTIES. 



Christ; especially, if we rely upon the blood 
of Jesus, his merits, righteousness and inter- 
cession, for grace, with God, and thus, in our 
prayer, glorify Jesus. John 16, 24.; 14, 13.: 
Eph. 3, 12.; John 14, 6.; Ps. 115, 1. 

371. Who teaches us the true art of prayer ? 

The Holy Ghost, which the Father will give, 
in the name of Christ, to all those who ask it i 
he is a spirit of prayer, who qualifies us to pray 
unto God, as it becomes Him and us. Luke 
11, 13.; John 14, 26.; Zach. 12, 10.; Rom. 8, 
26. 27. 

372. It thus appears, that prayer is not only a 

duty, but it is a precious privilege that we, as 

poor sinners, may enjoy ? 

Yes indeed : it cost the precious blood of our 
High Priest, to procure us this privilege, that 
we might approach the Father with joy, in 
order, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace 
to help in time of need. Heb. 10. 19—22. ; 4, 16. 



3. OF THE DUTIES TOWARDS 
OURSELVES. 

373. Do we, then, owe duties towards 

ourselves ? 

Yes : for God has implanted an instinct in 

all living creatures, also in man, to seek their 

wellfare, therefore, we ought accordingly to 

seek our happiness. 

37 1. How do we discharge this duty ? 
If we avoid, and flee from every thing hurt- 



OF DUTIES. 07 



ful, and, on the other hand, if we strive after 
that which is profitable to our soul and body. 
Sir. 21, 2.; Jer. 4, 22. 

375. What is mainly the hurtful ', which we 

should avoid, and flee from ? 
We should deny all ungodliness, or sins, and 
worldly lusts, which war against the soul. Tit. 
2, 12.; 1. Pet. 2, 11. 

37(5. How do we renounce these hurtful things ? 
If we renounce and abstain from carnal de- 
sires, and do not covet after riches and worldly 
lionor. 1. John 2, 16.; 1. Tim. C, 10. 

377. What are the good things which we are 

bound to do unto ourselves ? 

They may be devided into three classes : 

1) Those touching the soul. 2) Those relating 

to the body. 3) Those regarding our whole 

condition. 

378. What things are they, which we should do 
to ourselves, touching the soul ? 
That we have a holy solicitude to obtain 
spiritual gifts of grace, and to increase them, 
to do which daily self-examination is required. 
Jos. 23, 11.; 1. Cor. 12, 31.; 1. Pet. 5, 8. 

379. What good things are they, about which 
we should be solicitous, to do to the body ? 
They are chastity, temperance, diligence, 
care of our health, a proper use of the tongue, 
(speech,) and decent morals. 1. Thess. 4, 3. 4.; 
Luke 21, 34.: 2. Thess. 3, 10.; Rom. 13, U. 
Eph. 4, 29. 



68 OF DUTIES, 



380. In what does the good consist to which, a 
well ordered self-love, obliges ns in our situation 
of life? 
Fidelity in our temporal call, that all things 
be done honestly and orderly. As also in sim- 
plicity of mind, in the use and enjoyment of 
the things of this world, in food, in clothing 
and in our domestic arrangements. Ps. 37, 3.; 
Mat. 6, 19.; 1. Tim. 6, 8.: 2, 9. 

381. What more belongs to it ? 
That we be patient in adversity and perfectly 
contented, and make due preparation for a happy 
death. Lam. 3, 26.: 1. Tim. 6, 6.; Sir. 18, 22'. 

4. OF THE DUTIES TOWARDS OTHERS. 

382. Upon what ground do we owe duties 

towards others ? 
The fear and love of God bind us thereto. 
God commands us. Pure fear and love require 
it, that we should obey him. We are bound by 
God's dealing with man. Lev. 19, 18.; Luke 
6, 36 &c; Mat. 5, 45.; 1. John 4, 21. 

383. According to what ride, should we be 

governed herein ? 
Well-ordered self-love should be our rule of 
conduct; for it is written: Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself. Mat. 7, 12.; 22, 39. 

384. How may the duties towards others be 

divided ? 
Into three classes; 1) Into general duties 
towards all mankind. 2) Into duties between 



or duties. 69 



the different orders and conditions of men. 
3) In duties towards all being in distress. 

385. Which are the general duties towards 
all mankind l 

Intercession , edification of the neighbor, 
readiness to oblige, peaceableness, to be of a 
forgiving disposition. Humilit}', gentleness, 
courteousness, sincerity and justice. 1. Tim. 
2, 1.; Rom. 15, 2.; Mat. 20, 27. 28.; 5, 9. 23.; 
Col. 3, 12, 13.; Phil. 4, 5.; Col. 4, 6.; Eph. 
4, 25.; 1. Thess. 4, 6. 

386. What is meant by the duties between the 
different orders and conditions of men ? 
Good behavior according to the word of God 
and conscience between magistrates and sub- 
jects, teachers and hearers, between the mar- 
ried, parents and children, the old and young, 
rich and poor, the well and the sick. 

387. What duties belong to the third class ? 

Gratitude is due to benefactors. We are to 
have compassion upon, and assist the banished, 
and others in misery, councelling, comforting 
and relieving them. We are to fraternally re- 
prove the wayward and sinners. Mat. 25, 35.; 
Lev. 19, 17.; 1. Thess. 5, 14. 

388. What is our duty towards enemies ? 
We are to pray to God, that he would for- 
give and, convert them ; and that we, as far as 
it lies in our power, render them good for evil. 
Mat 5, 44., Rom. 12, 20. 



70 OF GOOD WORKS. 



5. OF GOOD WORKS. 

889. The duties mentioned which are due to 
God, to ourselves and the neighbor, you briefly 
named: What are the rendering and performing 
of such duties called ? 
They are called good works; for it is a good 
work if man discharges his duty. Mat. 5, 16.; 
Eph. 2, 10. 

390. What is required, to truly constitute a 
deed, a good work ? 

It must be in accordance with God's com- 
mand ) it must be done out of a believing, puri- 
fied, regenerated heart, with an eye single to 
God's glory, and to the benefit of the neighbor. 
Beut. 12, 32.; Ps. 119, 9.; Ezek. 36, 26. 27.; 
Phil. 1, 11.; 2, 4. 

391. The unregenerated then can do no really 
good works? 
No : for a corrupt tree brings forth only evil 
fruit ; but a good tree brings forth good fruit. 
Mat. 7, 17.; 12, 33. 

392. From what root, and from what motive, 
must good works spring ? 
From (true) faith in Jesus Christ, having a 
saving knowledge of God and his will, and 
drawing strength to do good, from the fullness 
of Christ; and, at the same time, love to God, 
which is the fulfilling of the law. Jer. 5,3.; 
Rouul4,23,; John 1,16.; 14,23.; Rom. 13, 10. 



OF GOOD WORKS, 71 



393. How necessary are good works ? 

We are chosen thereto, redeemed and called 
of God ; therefore, believers in God, must be 
careful to maintain good works. The tree which 
does not bring forth good fruit , is hewn down 
and cast into the fire. Eph. 1, 4.; Tit. % 14.; 
1. Pet. 1, 15.; Tit. 3, 8.; Mat. 3, 10. 

394. Are then the works of the regenerated 
perfect ? 

Not on their part; because, the adhering 
evil, in this life, so weakens them , that they 
complain of their insufficiency. Rom. 7, 18. 21. 

395. Does the heavenly Father look upon their 

works as defective ? 
No : because Christ, through faith, dwells in 
their hearts, and they are rooted and grounded 
in him, by love; therefore, their offerings or 
good works, are acceptable unto Him through 
Christ. Eph. 3, 17.; Col. 2, 6. 7.; 1. Pet. 2, 5. 

396. But how can this be righteous before God? 
Christ their head has made up all their im- 
perfections, before the justice of God, through 
his perfect obedience ; moreover, he well knows 
what weak vessels his poor children are. Mat. 
5, 17.; Rom. 8, 3. 4.; Ps. 103, 13. 14. 

397. May it be said : The regenerated can keep 

God's commandments ? 
Yes : according to their new nature, those 
who are born of God, do not sin, but keep his 
commandments. For it is God, who works in 
them both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 
h John 3,9,; 5,3.; Phil 2, 13, 



72 OP THE WORD OF GOD. 

398. Bo they merit any thing by their good 

works , with God? 
Nothing : they only do their duty, being the 
vessels (instruments) of God who gives them 
the inclination , the strength and opportunity, 
working through them Himself. Luke 17, 10.: 
Eph. 2, 10.; Rom. 11, 35. 86.; John 15, 5. 

399. Will God not reward them abundantly. 

for their works ? 
Yes, very abundantly : the ground of their 
reward rests upon the abounding goodness and 
grace of the heavenly Father, and follows just- 
ification , on account of the merit of Jesu^s 
Christ, and union with him, by faith. Rom. 2, 
6, 7.; Mat. 20, 15. 

V. OF THE WORD OF GOD, 

THE SACRED MINISTRY, THE LAW 

AND THE GOSPEL. 



400. What do you hold and confess of the 
Word of God ? 

I confess, that there is one, only, livings 
eternal Word of God ; and that there is also a 
word of the testimony, arising from the living 
and eternal word, spoken by man, and recorded 
in written language. Deut. 8, 3.; Rev. 12, 11. 

401. What is this living eternal Word of God t 

It is the only Son of God, by whom God 

created all things, and through whom he ha& 



OF THE WORD OF GOD. 



revealed Himself; which word, in the fullness 
of time, became flesh, by which all things, es- 
pecially the church of God, are preserved and 
governed. John 1, 1 &c. 14.; Rev. 19, 11—13. 

402. Why is this called, the only Word? 

Because, properly speaking, God according 
to his spiritual attribute of Being, has no other 
Word through which He speaks, or makes Him- 
self known. John 4, 24.: Rev. 19, 13. 

403. What might it indicate, that the Son of 
God, is called the Word ? 
It leads us to the revealing attributes in 
God : The hidden divine Being, revealed Him- 
self through the Word, namely, that HE IS, 
together with His Nature and Will, even as 
we make ourselves known through our word. 
Mat. 11, 27.; Gal. 1, 16. 

404. How did God reveal Himself through 
this Word? 

God has, through it, revealed Himself glo- 
riously and lovely, in an external and internal 
manner. Num. 12, 6. 7. 8. 

405. How did God reveal Himself in an 

external manner ? 
First : when God by his almighty Word 
framed the universe, by which he has shown 
how great , almighty, wise and good He is. 
Gen. 1, 3.; Ps. 33, 6. 9. 

406. How further? 
Through the word of the testimony, espe- 
cially through the Sacred Scriptures, namely, 



74 OF THE WORD OF GOD. 

when the eternal word further revealed, and 
does yet reveal, unto men, in his own, by the 
human speech, voice and scriptures, God's 
being, attributes, decree, word and will. Isa. 
34, 16.; Col. 1,25. 

407. How does God reveal Himself internally 
through his word? 
When He according to his spiritual nature, 
speaks spiritually to the soul, that is : When 
He enlightens the understanding, influences 
the will, and creates man internally anew, 
which He also can effect with infants, and igno- 
rant heathens. Ps. 85, 9.; Song of Sol. 5, 2.; 
Mat. 16. 17. 

408. It appears, you mean to say : That there 
is an only Word of God; but that it teaches in 
a twofold way ? 
Yes, this is what I mean ; this only Word 
teaches us, as already said, both in an external 
and internal way. Hence it is, that an internal 
and external word is spoken of. 

409 . What have we to understand by the 

external word ? 
The testimony of the word of God without, 
or the preaching and publishing of the Gospel, 
through the ministers of G-od. Rev. 1, 2. 9.; 
Tit. 1, 3.; 1. Cor. 2,1. 

4 10. Is not such testimony also to be called the 
Word of God? 
Yes : it is not man's word ; but it is the Word 
of God ; because G od has given it, and teaches 



OF THE WORD OF GOD. 75 



nothing then the eternal, lasting truth before 
God. 1. Thess. 2, 13. 

411 . But it is , nevertheless, taught by men ? 
Yes ; but men are not the authors of it ; they 
devote their heart, voice and hand to teaching 
it, and are only ministers in making it known. 
1. Cor. 3, 5. 

412. What is the difference between the internal, 
and the external word ? 
God himself speaks and teaches by the in- 
ternal word; men speak and teach by the 
external word. 
413. Is it necessary in regard to the word of 
God, to pay attention in this distinction? 
It is, in these days, necessary; because many, 
through the craft of the old serpent, undertake 
to preach the word of God, who have not re- 
ceived it from the Lord, and, yet, attribute to 
their word, divine power, unto salvation. 2. 
Cor. 11,13. 

414. Is not the power of the internal word pres- 
ent, by such abuse of preaching 1 
No : Christ never agrees with such a per- 
verse sort of men. 2. Cor. 6, 14. 15. 

415. How is the word truly, evangelically 
preached, or taught ? 

If the word of God is not falsified ; but is 
preached as God's word ; when it is preached 
in its purity, as from God, and spoken before 
God in Christ, and in accordance with the sa- 
cred scripture. 1. Pet. 4, 11.; 2. Cor. 2, 17.; 
4, 2.; 2. Tim. 1, 13. 14.; Acts 26, 22.; Tit. 2, 1. 



76 OF THE WORD OF GOD. 



51 6. Who is thus jit, to be a preacher of the 

Gospel ? 
Such an one is fit, whom the Lord qualifies, 
calls and sends. 2. Cor. 3, 5. 6.; Acts 20, 28.; 
John 20, 21. 

417. Is the power of the internal word present 

when the gospel is thus preached ? 
Certainly : for the divine truth (as the inter- 
nal word) there teaches, through his minister, 
so that the hearer is surprised (betreten) inter- 
nally and externally by the power thereof 
Luke 10, 16. 

418. Is then a well grounded evidence of this, 

in such a salutary transaction ? 
Yes indeed : for the messengers of the gospel 
are called laborers with God, and with whom 
the Lord co-operates. He has promised to be 
with them, to the end of the world. 1. Cor. 3, 
9.; Mark 16, 20.; Acts 11, 21.; Mat. 28, 20. 

419. If the word of God is rightly preached 
and heared, what benefits does it produce ? 
It is the seed from which springs true faith, 
and which produces regeneration : it is the 
power of God unto salvation, to every one that 
believeth : as it fully proved itself in the days 
of the apostles. Luke 8. 11.; 1. Pet. 1, 23. 25.; 
Rom. 1, 16.; 10, 17. 

420. If that be the case, why are not all 

hearers saved ? 

Because, when the true word is preached, 

they disjoin such transaction, they only hear 

externally; internally they turn a deaf ear, their 



OF THE WORD OF GOD, 77 



hardened heart does not receive the divine 
seed, that it may strike root, and bring forth 
its fruits. 2. Cor. 4, 3. 4.- Acts 28, 26. 27. 

421. What is, therefore, in the preaching of the 
gospel, the proper work of the word of testimony, 

or ministerial word ? 
From without it enters, through the ears and 
eyes, the heart of the hearer, proclaims to him 
the will of G od, offers and commends to him 
the grace and power of God unto life. Acts 2, 
14.; 20, 27. 

422. What is the work, at the same time, of the 

internal word? 
Being spirit, it acts spiritually with the 
spiritual part of man, then, as the light and 
life, it effectually penetrates, the understand- 
ing and will, by the truth witnessed by the 
word of testimony ; and so works and strength- 
ens faith. Acts 2, 37.; Luke 24, 32. 

423. What do you maintain touching the 
sacred scripture ? 

I maintain it to be the infallible word of 
God : a sure testimony, consequently, the un- 
erring rule of conduct, of all doctrine, of faith 
and life. Ps. 19, 4. 7—11.; Rom. 3, 2.; Ps. 
119, 24. 105. 

424. Whence originates the sacred scripture ? 
The sacred scripture originates from the 
power of the eternal Word as written by holy 
men of God, moved by the inspiration of the 
Holy Ghost. 2. Pet. 1, 20. 21.; Heb. 1, 1. 



OF THE WOUD OV GOD, 



425. How are we to prepare ourselves for the 
reading and hearing of so precious testimony 

of divine revelation ? 
We are, with becoming reverence, to pay 
strict attention to its doctrine, in order to 
apprehend it ; and with heartfelt sighing to God, 
who will herein teach us ; treasure up the doc- 
trine in the heart , and with a firm resolve , to 
obey the known will of God. Heb. 2, 1.; 2. 
Pet. 1, 19.; Mat. 13, 23.; 7, 24. 

426. Is there also a distinction to be observed 

in the word of testimony ? 
Yes, for there is the Word of the Law, and 
the Word of the Gospel. John 1, 17. 

427. Which is the word of the Law ? 
The commandments and the laws, which God 
gave through Moses unto the people of Israel, 
as they are recorded in the five books of Moses, 
Deut. 4, 1. 2. 

428. Which is the Word of the Gospel ? 
The doctrine taught by Christ and his apos- 
tles, and which is written by the evangelists 
and apostles. 2. Cor. 5, 18. 20. 

429. How are the two distinguished ? 
Paul calls the former : The Old Testament, 
and also : The Letter. The latter he calls : 
The New Testament , and also : The Spirit. 
The former is a doctrine of works , the latter, 
a doctrine of faith. The Law exhibits God as 
an angry judge. The Gospel, as a reconciled 
God, and merciful Father. 2. Cor. 3, 14.; Rom. 
4, 5.; Gal. 3, 12, 



OF THE WORD OF GOD, 79 

430. What is, therefore, the office, or work of 
the Law? 
It teaches and commands, what man has to 
do, namely, how he is to live righteously and 
blamelessly; and announces to transgressors the 
curse and wrath of God. Deut. 6, 1.; 27. 26. 
(See Quest. 107—109.) 

431. In what condition is man under the 
doctrines of the law ? 

He is under condemnation, because sin has 
so depraved him, that he is incapable to fulfill 
the demands of the law of God, and thus to 
escape the curse. Gal. 3, 10.; Rom. 7, 18.: 
3, 20. 

432. But, what is the office, or work of the 
Gospel I 

It teaches and magnifies what has been done 
by God for us ; it reveals the righteousness of 
faith ; it leads the sorrowing sinner to Christ ; 
it proffers him God's grace and strength, to a 
new and holy life. 2. Cor. 5, 18 — 21.; Rom, 
3, 21.; 6, 14. 

438. What condition is man in by such doctrine 
of the Gospel I 
If he receives the doctrines of the gospel 
devoutly, his soul will be refreshed ; he becomes 
a believer ; he rises from the death of sin ; he 
lays hold of the righteousness of God in Christ 
a new life begins to grow and expand in him, 
Acts. 16, 34.; Rom. 6, 22. 



80 OF THE INSTITUTIONS BY CHRIST. 



VI. OF THE INSTITUTIONS BY 

CHRIST, COMMONLY CALLED THE 

SACRAMENTS; NAMELY BAPTISM 

AND SUPPER. 



484. What public acts, besides ministring in the 
word, did Christ command his disciples ? 
Baptism and the Supper. 

185. Of what parts do these acts consist ? 
Each consists of two essential parts ; namely 
of a bodily visible part, and of a spiritually in- 
visible part, both being of equal utility ; yet 
each in its order. 

436. What do you mean to say ? 
The bodily visible is an act, performed upon 
the outward part of man. The spiritually in- 
visible takes place in the inner part. 

487. What is the bodily visible act, that takes 
place in baptism ? 
The body is washed with water, by the min- 
ister of the Lord. Acts 8, 38.; Tit. 3, 5. 

438. What is the invisible, that takes place? 
The soul is cleansed, with the blood of Christ 
and the water of grace, from sins, by the Holy 
Spirit. 1. Cor. 6, 11. 



OF THE INSTITUTIONS BY CHRIST. 81 

439. What is the visible act in the supper '(■ 
The assembled christians are fed and nour- 
ished by the bread and wine at the Lord's table 
1- Cor. 10, 16. 

440. What is the invisible act ? 
The souls of christian believers receive, here- 
with, the food and drink of the body and of the 
blood of Christ, which their heavenly highpriest 
dispenses anion* them. Gen. 14, 18 • John 6 
27. 51. 

441. Must then both these parts be 
present in baptism, and the supper, and both be 

participated of? 
Yes : for so the Lord instituted it, and where 
0I ? e .°^. tne two is w <™tin£, it is not then an act 
of his institution. 

442. Can the ministers of Christ 
produce the spiritual part, at the same time, with 

the bodily ? 
No : but the Lord who has commanded it, 
will himself be present, if his command be fol- 
lowed in the obedience of faith. Mat. 28, 20. 

443. What does the visible part of the institu- 
tions of Christ benefit christian believers ? 
It is to each one, and also among each other, 
an acknowledgment, a certain sigu and evidenec 
of the partaking of the indicated internal bene- 
fit in the heart, soul and conscience. Rom, 4, 
11.: Exod. 13, 9. 



82 OF BAPTISM, 



444. What else, is at the same time joined 
therewith ? 

The union of brotherly love among each 
other ; the strengthening of faith, to raise their 
hearts in love to Christ ; and an inward thanks- 
giving for his redeeming benefits. 

1, OF BAPTISM, 

445. When did the Lord Jesus institute baptism ? 
After his resurrection, before he ascended to 
heaven, as he was about sending his disciples in- 
to the world, to preach the gospel. Mark 16, 15, 

446. Baptism, then belongs to the properly 

serving of the gospel ? 
Yes : for it is obvious from the words of the 
institution. 

447. What are the words, with which the Lord 
commanded his disciples to baptize ? 
He said unto them : All power is given unto 
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, 
and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son and of the 
Holy Ghost. Mat, 28, 18. 19. 

448. Who should baptize ? 
The disciples, or ministers of Christ, sent by 
the Lord. 

449. Who should be baptized J 

All, who had been instructed in the faith, 

and had become believers Acts 14, 21. ; Mark 

16, 16, 



OF BAPTISM. 83 



450. How could they know, who had been, or 
had not been believers ? 
Those who desired to be baptized, had to 
make a profession of their faith ; for the faith 
of the heart, and the confession of the mouth, 
belong together. Acts 8, 36—38.; 10, 46. 47.- 
Rom. 10, 9. 10. 

451. Why must candidates for baptism be first 
instructed and believe ? 
The faith unto confession comes from hear- 
ing the words of the gospel. He that hears, 
and does not believe, belongs not to the church 
of Christ, and he shall be condemned. Rom. 
10, 14. 17.; John 3, 18.; Mark 16, 16. 

452. How is baptism to be administered? 
The believing candidate, having made con- 
fession of his faith in the name of the Triune- 
God, is to be washed with water, by the bap- 
tizer, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost. Acts 22, 16.; Tit. 3,5. 

453. What is such baptismal act to the 
candidate ? 
It is to him, an acknowledgment, a certain 
sign, and evidence of received internal purifi- 
cation, and a washing away of sin, through 
faith. 1. Pet. 3,21.; 1. Cor. 6, 11. 

454. What part does faith take, in such baptismal 
act, towards internal purification ? 
By the overflowing of the water, faith sees 
and embraces the drowning of the old man in 
•the death of Christ, and obligates itself thereto. 
Col. 2, 12.; Rom. 6,3. 



84 OF BAPTISM. 



455. What does faith do at the coming out of 
the water ? 
There faith sees and leads into the commun- 
ion of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, unto 
the new life, and obligates itself thereto. Rom. 
G, 4. 11.;, 1. Pet. 3, 21. 

450. Is baptism a confession [sacrament) of 
these great mysteries ? 

Yes : therein is the ground, that of faith's 
participating, in the death and resurrection of 
Jesus Christ, to the deliverance from sin, and 
to the power of a new life, is publicly made 
known. Acts 2, 38. 

457. Why is christian baptism received as a 
certain sign and evidence ? 

Because, the baptized one is thereby received 
into the assembled congregation of Christ, and 
thus, by virtue of Christ's command the church, 
through baptism, concedes, and gives him a 
testimony of fellow-communion amon^r, and, in 
Christ. Acts 10, 47.: 1. Cor. 12, 13. 

458. What is baptism to him inwardly ? 
It is to him, a washing of regeneration, and 
renewing of the Holy Ghost, by which he puts 
on Christ, and becomes a child of God. Tit. 3, 
5.; Gal. 3,27. 

459 . What are the baptized ', afterwards to 

observe ( 
They are to observe all things that the Lord 
has commanded. Mat. 28, 20. 



OF THE SUPPER. 85 

4.6$, Wlnj are they bound to do this ? 
Because, in baptism they publicly vowed to 
serve the Lord Jesus, and, on the contrary , 
renounced sin, satan, and the service of the 
world. Rom. 6,4. 12. 17. 



2. OF THE SUPPEK. 



461. When did the Lord Jesus institute the 

Supper ? 
The same night in which he was betrayed. 
1 Cor. 11,23. 

462. What was the first act ? 
He took bread into his hands. 

46-i. What was the second act ? 
He gave thanks unto his heavenly Father. 
1. Cor. 11, 24. 

464. What did he do with the bread? 
He did break it. 

46 o. Why did he break it ? 
That each might partake of it, and thus also 
to set forth the breaking of his body on the 
cross, John 2, 19. 

466. What did he do with the broken bread? 
He gave it unto his disciples, to show that 

he is the giver and dispenser of the bread of 
life. John 6, 27. 

467, What were the disciples to do, with tfit 

given bread ? 
Ke said Take, eat. 



86 OF THE SUPPER. 



468. What spiritual thing did he intend to 
teach thereby ? 

That believers reaching after the bread of 
life, lay hold of the same with the mouth of 
faith, and receive it inwardly. John 6, 27. 

469. What did he further say 7 
He said : This is my body, which is broken 
for you. h Cor. 11, 24. 

470. What did he intend to teach thereby ? 
He intended to teach : My body is that to 
the soul, what the eaten bread is to the body ? 

471. What is eaten bread to the body ? 
It is a nourishing food, and nutriment to the 
supporting of the natural life. 

472. Is then the body of Christ the same, or 

such unto the soul ? 
Yes, he himself says : My flesh is meat in 
deed. John 6, 55. 

473. What did the Lord refer to, by the 
word THIS? 
To the then present act of giving and eating 
of the bread, which feeds the body, just THIS, 
they had to exspect from his body, if he gave 
it unto them , and they would eat it , namely y 
that he feeds the soul. John 6, 51. 

474. How can you be certain in this opinion^ 
from these words ? 
The word, IS confirms me in this opinion, 
which the Lord immediately added to the 
word THIS. 



OF THE SUPPER, 87 



475, What stress, is here indicated by the 
word, IS? 

The word, IS (especially when employed by 
the mouth of eternal truth,) designates always, 
that the thing is really and truly so as indicated 

4 70. What do you intend to prove hereby f 
That the body of Christ is really and truly 
such, as he intended to exhibit by the preceding 
act; namely, real food, or, that it is, what 
bread and food are to the body. 

477. Bid, perhaps, the Lord meant, in using 
the word IS, to refer to the bread ? 

This is not possible, for it cannot be proved 
from the scriptures ; nor can it be shown from 
the nature of the case, that the baked bread is 
the real body of Christ ; or, that it can, or may 
be united therewith. Mat. 24, 23.; Luke 17, 23, 

478. Of what does the word, MY remind us ? 
That we should take notice , that the Q od- 

man, is here speaking of his Own human body. 

471). What is meant by the word Body ? 
That we ought to know r and believe, Christ's 
body possesses the true qualities of bread to 
nourish, and that he would give it unto us, as 
food. John 6, 55. 27. 

48 U. What do the words : 
WHICH IS BROKE JY FOR YOU, 

teach us ? 
That he was not speaking of his body, as he 
was then sitting before them ; but what his 
body would be, when he 9 through his suffering, 



$$ OF THE SUPPER. 



death and resurrection, would be perfected, at 
the right hand of Uod. John 6, 51 .; Heb. 5, 9. 

481. Is it necessary to believe, that the body of 
Christ is food, and that we must eat it ? 

It is very necessary: for he affirms and says 
Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat 
the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, 
ye have no life in you. John 6, 53. 

482. But, how can Christ give us his flesh to eat '(-- 
It is not, on our part oral manducation ; and 

on the part of Christ, not in the state, as he 
was visible on earth ; for in that state the flesh, 
as food, profits nothing. John 6, 52, 63. ; 12, 24. 

483. If it does not thus take place, how then 
does it ? 

It takes place, in the state of the flesh of 
Christ when he had ascended, where he had 
before been, when his flesh, through the spirit 
of the eternal Godhead had become glorified 
and spiritual, then he feeds and nourishes 
our spirit unto life , and then through faith he 
is spiritually eaten. John 6, 62. 63. 47.: 17, 5. : 
1. Cor. 15, 45. 

484. Did the Lord only use bread in the supper \ 
No : he also gave his disciples wine to drink. 

485. How do you know this ? 
The evangelists, and Paul testify, that the 
Lord took a cup, filled with wine, did give 
thanks, gave the same to them, and commanded 
them to drink out of it : and they all drank out 
of it, Mat. 26, 27.; Mark 1 4, 23. ; 1 . Cor. 1 1 , 25. 



OP THE SUPPER. 89 



480. What did the Lord say, when they had 
drank the wine ? 

He said : This is my blood of the new testa- 
ment, which is shed for many for the remission 
of sins; or, this cup is the new testament in 
my blood, which is shed for you. Mat. 26, 28.: 
Mark 14, 24.; Luke 22, 20.; 1. Cor. 11, 25. 

487. How do you understand these words? 

In the same way, as the former ; namely, 
that the shed (now glorified) blood of Christ, is 
drink; it is to the soul what the wine, which 
has been drank, is to the body. 

488. What does it benefit us to drink the blood 
of Christ ? 
Whoso drinks thereof, has the remission of 
sins, he has become and is, a covenant-member 
of the New Testament. 

489. What did the Lord further say ? 
This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem- 
brance of me , which command he also gave in 
the act of giving the bread. ] . Cor. 11, 25. 24. 

490. What words are these ? 

They are the words used in the institution, 

by which he commands , that his disciples, 

among themselves, should attend to a similar 

act. 

491. What does the word THIS (sotches), as 

used here, refer to ? 
It refers like the former This (clas) back to 
the act, which he undertook and attended to. 
with the bread and wine. 



90 OF THE SUPPER. 

492. Is then any thing further to be remarked 
by the word (solches) SUCH? 
Yes, it confirms the indicated sense of the 
word (das) This, because it is found, that the 
same (das) This, and here the (solches) Such, 
in his address, is one and the same word? 

493. What conclusion do you arrive at, 
from this ? 
I conclude thus : reasonable and right as it 
is, that I may here read (solches) Such-, with 
the same reasonableness and right, I may also 
read there (solches) Such is my body and 
(solches) Such is my bloed : and thus, the in- 
dicated meaning of the Lord is evident. 

494. To what end, is the supper to be celebrated ? 
The Lord said : (Solches — Such) This do in 
remembrance of me. 1. Cor. 11, 24. 

495. In what particular, were they to 
remember him ? 
Above all, in remembrance of his inconceive- 
able love and kindness, shown them in his most 
bitter death of the cross. 

496. How can you prove, that the Lord chiefly 
refered to this part ? 
His apostle tells us, when he says : For, as 
often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, 
ye shall show the Lord's death till he come. 
h Cor. 11, 26. 

497. Why is it appropriate, on this occasion, 
to especially remember his death ? 
Because , as they were being occupied with 



OF THE SUPPER. 91 

the meat and drink of the body, they should 
also perceive (avail themselves of) the benefits 
of the feeding and nourishing of their souls, and 
testify the enjoyment thereof. 1. Cor. 10, 17. 

498. How do you prove from this, the remem- 
brance of the death of Christ ? 
Consider, that this blessed benefit has indeed 
been prepared for us, when Christ out of cor- 
dial love, died for us, and shed his blood, in 
order, that he might refresh us therewith. John 
15, 13. 

499. What were our condition, if this nourish- 
ment for the soul had not been prepared ? 

We would all have to famish with the eternal 
hunger of death. John 6, 53. 

500. But, what benefit does he derive, who eats 
the body, and drinks the blood of Christ ? 
He has eternal life : Christ will also, at the 

last day, raise his body unto everlasting life : 
yea, Christ has, thereby, united himself so 
closely with him, that he dwells in Christ and 
Christ in him. John 6, 54. 56. 57. 

501. How is it, if one goes to the supper, who 
lives in sin, and says, he has eaten Chi'ist 1 
It is even as little true, as were he to say, 
Christ lives in him, or that he has eternal life : 
This is saying much and yet, it is a monstrous 
delusion. 1. John 2, 4.; 3, 6. 

502. What good does the supper prove such 

an one ? 
He eats and drinks damnation to himself; 



02 OF THE SUPrER. 



and is guilty of the body and the blood of the 
Lord. 1. Cor. 11 ? 29. 27. 

503; How, and wherefore? 
Because, he eats such bread of the Lord, 
which is a certain sign and testimony of the 
spiritual participation and communion of the 
body and blood of the Lord, without being 
true, in his case, and thereby, does not discern 
the Lord's body. 1. Cor. 10, 16. 

504. How should one prepare himself to a 

beneficial use thereof? 
Let him first examine himself well. 1. Cor. 
11, 28. 

505. As to what, ought he to examine himself? 
Whether he be reconciled to God, and with 
man; whether he has a sincere desire after 
Christ. He is to examine himself, whether he 
be in the faith ; whether Christ dwells in him, 
if not, he is unfit. Mat. 5, 23. 24. 6.; 2. Cor. 
13, 5. 

506. What are the ordinary particulars 
required, when the hordes supper is to be publicly 
and rightly celebrated ? 
True members of Christ must be assembled : 
these must have a living knowledge of Christ 
and of his will, and conform to the same. They 
must give heed to the pure doctrine of the un- 
adulterated word of God. 



OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 



VII. OF THE THREE PRINCIPAL 
CONDITIONS, NAMELY: 

1. Of the Christian < Inn < h r 
4 2, Of the Higher Pollers, or 

Temporal Magistracy. 
3. Of Matrimony, or Marriage, 



1. OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 

507. What do you confess, of the Christian 
Church ? 

I believe that the church is the number and 
the assembly, composed of all the chosen child- 
ren of God, who are also called the body, and 
bride of Christ. 

508. Why is the Church called an assembly? 
Because, all the members thereof are assem- 
bled, by the only shepherd Jesus Christ, as 
one spiritual flock ; yea, because, they unitedly 
are under, and in, the one head, one body, and 
have one spirit of faith. John 10, 14. 16.; Eph. 
1, J5. 16.; 4, 4. 

509. Why are such members called chosen f 
Because, God regarded them in his gracious 
pleasure , from eternity, elected and ordained 
them to adoption and to eternal life. Eph, 1 
4. 5.; 1 Thess. 2, 13. (See Quest. 97.) 



94 OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

510. May they also be properly called children 

of God? 
Yes : the heavenly Father had of his own 
good pleasure , predestinated them unto the 
adoption of children to himself, and begat them 
with his word of truth. Eph. 1, 5.; 1. John 
3, 1.; Jas. 1, 18. 

511. Are they not already, by nature, children 

of God? 
! no : by nature they are the children of 
wrath, and of satan, according to his image and 
nature, even as others. Eph. 2, 3.: John 8, 44, 

512. How may they be freed, and become 

children of God ? 
They become children of God, in the regene- 
ration, through faith in Christ J esus, who has 
procured for them the right of adoption. (See 
Quest. 274 and 275.) Eph. 2, 8.; John 1, 12.: 
Gal. 4, 5. 

513. Why is the church called, the body of 
Christ? 

Because, all the members thereof, are by 
faith fitly joined together and incorporated in 
Christ, the head, in such a manner, that they 
jointly under him, constitute One Spiritual 
Body. Col. 1, 18.; Eph. 4, 15. 16.; Horn. 
12, 4. 5. 

514. Why is this church also called, the bride 
of Christ ? 
Because, the most intimate love, union and 
communion prevail, and exists inseparably be- 



OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 9& 

tween Christ and them. Canticles 4, 9. 12.; 

3, 1. 4.; Isa. 62, 5.; Eph. 5, 25 &c. 

515.. Are they the saints, of whom we confess 
I believe the communion of saints t 
Yes : even these saints are the Church, of 
which we speak. 

516. With whom have these saints, communion f 
With the triune God ; with holy angels, with 
their fellow-brethren in heaven, and upon earth. 
1. John 1, 3.; Heb. 12, 22. 23.: Eph. 1, 10. 

517. What have these saints in common with 

each other ? 

One head, one Lord, one spirit, one faith* 

one baptism, one God and Father, the same 

love, the same hope, the same word of God, 

and communion in all spiritual gifts, Eph. 4. 

4. 5. 6. 

518. What good accrues to them from this 
union ? 

They love each other fervently- they have 
sympathy for each other ; they serve each other ; 
the} 7 pray for one-another ; they delight in wor* 
shiping God with each other. 1. Pet. 1, 22.; 
1. Cor. 12, 26.; 4, 10.; Jas. 5. 16.; Eph. 5, 
19. 20 

519. Has the Lord pleasure in such 

demeanor ? 

Certainly : for where brethren dwell together 

in unity, there the Lord has commanded the 

blessings, even life for evermore. Ps. 133, 1. 3 



96 OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

520. May not hypocrites, or ungodly persons be 
members of this church, or mix in with them? 
Not at all : None can be a member of this 
church of God, unless he is a living member 
of Christ, so that Christ numbers him as his 
own ; for this number is not of men , but it is 
according to the Lord's numbering. Isa. 60. 
21.; John 1$, 6.; Mat, 7, 23. 

521. Who gathers this number, and brings 

them into such unity ? 
Christ, the Head gathers them, through the 
office andpower of the Holy Ghost. Isa. 49, 
22.; 60, 4. 21.; Eph. 2, %\l 

522. From among whom; and, whence does 

he gather them ? 
He gathers them from among every people ; 
from every place, even from the ends of the 
earth. For this is a general church. Isa. 43, 
5. 7.; Rev. 5, 9.; 7, 9. 

523. How long will he continue to gather them ? 
From the beginning of the world, unti] the 
last day. Heb. 11, 16.; Mat. 28, 20. 

524. What kind of an assembly is this, is it 
visible, and can it be pointed out ? 
No : the church, of which we have spoken, 
which stand before God, is gathered spiritually, 
and is only visible to God ; but in the day of 
judgement, this church will be made gloriously 
visible unto all men , to angels and devils. 
Rev. 21, 10.: Col. 3, 3. 4- 2. Thess. 1, 10. 



OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 97 

525. Has God not also an external, visible 
church upon earth ? 

Yes. He at first had such a church among 
the patriarchs, then among the people of Israel ; 
and, at last, among christian nations. 

520. What is God wont to call such externa/ 
visible, assembled church ? 
He frequently calls the church His Vine- 
yard , that he himself has planted with care- 
fulness and fidelity. Isa. 5, 1. 2. 7.; Mark 12, 
1.: Ps. 80, 15. 

527 . Will not God always have a comely, external 
visible, assembled christian church ? 

God will, indeed, have an assembled chris- 
tian people, which, like a city that is on a hill, 
shines bright before the whole world, in pure 
doctrine, faith and order of life, in whom he 
takes pleasure. Isa. 27, 2. 3.; 62, 3. 4. 5.; 
Mat. 5, 14. 

528. By what means does Christ the Lord gather 
to himself a people upon earth, that is now called 

the christian church ? 
By the word of his gospel. Mark 16, 16.; 
Col. 1,5.; Acts 14,21. 

529. Haw is that done f 

lie gives teachers according to his heart, 

who proclaim his name to the people, that they 

should be converted, and be sanctified by faith 

in Jesus. Rom. 1, 1.; Eph. 4, 11.; Acts 26, 18. 



98 OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

530. What does the Lord Jesus do at such 

preaching of the Gospel ? 
He is with his ministers, and bestowes upon 
the preached word his spirit and blessing. 
Mat. 28, 20. 

531. What then happens with the hearers ? 
In those, who pay proper attention to the 

preached word, the Holy Ghost kindles faith 
and the love of God , through which they are 
awakened and drawn to the true worship of 
God, to love among each other, and unto obedi- 
ence in all godliness. Acts 16, 14. 15.; Rom. 
12, 10.; 1. Pet. 1, 22. 

532. What follows further from such a good 
ground? 
The outward communion among, and with 
each other, follows from hearty fidelity. Acts 
2,44. 

533. What things do they attend to in the 

outward communion ? 
They seek generally to serve one-another, in 
every good thing ; they, especially, bind them- 
selves reciprocally to a common christian nur- 
ture, and social worship of God. 1. Pet. 4, 10.; 
Acts, 2, 42.; 1. Cor. 1, 10. 

534. What do you understand here, by the 

social worship of God ? 
Where believers assemble for the preaching 
and hearing of the word of God; for social 
prayer, praise and thanksgiving before God, 
and to the administering of the institutions of 
Christ. Acts 10, 33. 



OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 99 

535. But to whom does this care more especially 
belong, in this visible church ? 
It belongs to the ministers, elders and deac- 
ons : they are to take heed to the flock of Christ, 
and to provide them with sound doctrine and 
nurture. Acts 20, 28.; Isa. 62, 6.; Tit. 1, 5. 

536. What should we hold of such a christian 
church ? 
That they are a peculiar people of Christ, 
members of the invisible church of God, and to 
them belong all the precious promises of God, 
as well in the kingdom of grace, as in the future 
kingdom of glory. 1. Pet. 2, 9.; Gal. 3, 14. 29. 

537. May there not be in this christian church, 
hypocrites and false ones? 
Yes : the like may intrude ; but who, never- 
theless, do not in reality belong to church ; but 
whom the Lord will finally, gather up as tares 
out of his field , and purge them as chaff from 
his floor. Mat. 13, 25. 47 &c; 3, 12. 

538. By what characteristic marks can we 

distinguish the true christian church, from the 

false one ? 

Where the spirit of Christ prevails liberally; 
where , consequently, the word of God is 
preached in its purity and with sincerity; where 
the social worship of God is conducted accord- 
ing to the scripture ; and, where the love of 
Christ shines brightly, and the doctrine is 
adorned with a godly conversation , there is 
the true church of God. 2. Cor. 3, 17.; Acts 
2,42.; John 13, 35.; Phil. 1,27. 



100 OF THE APOSTACY OF THE CHURCH. 



OF THE APOSTACY OF THE CHURCH. 



539. How did so many churches degenerate ? 
When they forsook their first love ; became 

lukewarm, and their watchmen fell asleep ; and 
also, when erroneous opinions, and false teach- 
ers, through satans device, crept in, then many 
a comely church of Christ, became an anti- 
christian church. Rev. 2, 4.; 3, 16.; 2. Cor. 
11, 13.; Ezek. 16, 35. 

540. What says God of the condition of his 

vineyard ? 
He utters the most bitter complaints, in re- 
gard to the unfaithfulness evinced towards 
him : how shamefully the hedge thereof was 
broken down, the vineyard spoiled, and trod- 
den underfoot. That, instead of bringing forth 
grapes, it produces wild grapes. Mat. 21, 35.; 
Ps. 80, 13. 14.; Isa. 5, 4.; Jer. 2, 21. 

541. How can this come to pass ? 
Satan having at first succeeded in destroying 
the most comely work of God, in gaining man 
over to his cause , he still applies his cunning 
and power, and urges his entire host to despoil, 
distract, bring disgrace upon, and disturb the 
church of God. Rev. 16, 13. 14.; 20, 8. 

542. How does he accomplish this ? 
On the one hand, with persecution, disper- 
sion and murder, and again, and in a more per- 
nicious way, through dissimulation, secret in- 



OF THE HIGHER POWERS. 101 

sinuation, corrupting the word of God, introduc- 
ing erroneous doctrines, and creating schism ; 
and thus sitting in the temple of God, in Christ's 
stead. 2. Cor. 11, 13. 14. 15.; 2. Thess. 2, 4. 

543. Did then satan succeed with his 
insidiousness and maliciousness against the 
church of God ? 
Yes, alas ! he succeeded too well. The ex- 
perience of the past proves this in the Jewish 
church as well as in the first christian church, 
and confirms the afore mentioned complaints 
by God. 
544. To what does God compare the church, 

thus aspersed by satan ? 
He compares the church to a house, unclean 
with a fretting leprosy ; a hold of every foul 
spirit ; and, he threatens to judge her in anger, 
and to punish her terribly. Lev. 14, 44. 45.; 
Rev. 18, 2.; Isa. 5, 5. 6.; Deut. 32, 22. 23. 



2. OF THE HIGHEE POWERS, 
0E MAGISTRATES. 



545. What do you maintain of the higher 

powers ? 
I maintain, that the higher powers, that be, 
are ordained of God. John 19, 11.; Rom. 13,1, 

546. According to what rule of action, 
should the higher powers execute their functions 
of office ? 
According to the law of nature, or of justice. 



102 OF THE HIGHER POWERS. 

especially as it is explained and elucidated in 
the Bible. Jos. 1, 7. 8.; 1. King 2, 3. 

547. What are the duties of the higher 

powers f 

To enact, as it were, with paternal solicitude, 

salutary laws for the governing of the land, 

and to administer them without partiality, and 

in justice. 2. Chron. 19, 6. 7. 

548. What is the design of salutary laws 
of the land ? 

To promote the common wellfare, civil peace, 
and afford security and protection, in the en- 
joyment thereof. 1. Tim. 2, 2. 

549. Does it behoove magistrates forcibly to 

execute the laws with rigor and justice ? 
Yes. For the magistrate is the minister of 
God, that bears not the sword in vain ; but for 
the punishment of evil doers ; and for the praise 
of them, that do well. Rom. 13, 4. 3.; 1. Pet. 
2,14. 

550. Over what does the magistrate's jurisdic- 
tion extend? 
Over all things of a temporal and secular 
nature in life, which do not contravene the 
duties, which we owe to God. Jer. 26, 14.; 
Mat. 22, 20. 21. 

551. Does not the control of spiritual matters 
belong to the powers that be ? 
No : God has reserved that prerogative ; for 
he only can control the soul, faith and con- 



OF MATRIMONY. 10£ 



science : the magistrate has no right to inter- 
meddle. Dan. 3, 5. 17. 18.: Acts 4, 19. 

552. What duties, on the contrary, do subjects 
owe, the powers that be ? 
That they love, honor, fear and render trib- 
ute, and be obedient to them in all things, 
which do not militate against the word of God. 
Rom. 13, 1. 6. 7.; Tit. 3, 1.; Mat. 17, 27. 



3. OF MATEIMONY, OE MAEEIAGE, 

553. What is marriage ? 
Marriage is an indissoluble contract between 
a man and a woman. 

554. Who instituted marriage ? 

God himself did, by deed and word, institute 
marriage. 

555. When did this take place ? 
When our first parents were yet in paradise, 

and in a state of innocence. 

556. By what deed of God was this done ? 

God took one of Adam's ribs, made a woman 
thereof, and brought her unto Adam, and joined 
them together. Gen. 2, 21. 22.; Mark 10, 9. 

557. How was it instituted by God's word J 
The Lord God said : It is not good that the 
man should be alone ; I will make him a help 
meet for him, Afterwards he said : They shall 
be one flesh. Gen. 2, 18. 24.; Mat, 19, 5, 



104 OF MATRIMONY. 



558. Can you prove, that the first 
marriage-contract concerns the subsequent 

human race ? 
It is perfectly obvious from the design of 
God, and from his revealed word. 

559. What was God's design by instituting 



marr 



tage 



? 



The chief design was the propagation and 
preservation of the human race, upon the earth. 
and this is to be in the order of matrimony. 
Gen. 9, 1. 7.; Heb. 13, 4. 

5(>0. How can you prove this , from the word 
of God? 
God gave a perpetual marriage-law, in these 
words : Therefore shall a man leave his father 
and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, 
and they shall be one flesh. Gen. 2, 24.; Mat. 
19, 5. 

561. Is there no difference in the New Testament 
dispensation ? 
No : for Christ did, by deed and word, con- 
firm the marriage institution. John 2, 2. 11.: 
Mat. 19, 4—6. 

562. What should be the proper motives , of 
entering the state of matrimony ? 

The propagation of the human race, in de- 
cency and modesty; and assisting one another 
in spiritual and temporal things ; and to pre- 
vent incontinency. Gen, 1,28.; 2,18.; EccL 
4,9—12.; 1. Cor. 7,2.9. 



OF MATRIMONY. 105 



568. What preparation should be made to enter 
this state ? 
To humbly pray God for his direction ) and 
to weigh well all the circumstances, seek for the 
counsel of parents, and of well-disposed friends. 
Gen. 24, 7.; 28, 3. 4.; Deut, 7, 3.: Jer. 29, 6. 

564. What are the reciprocal duties of 

married persons ? 
These are embraced in conjugal love, from 
which flow all fidelity; to promote each others 
spiritual and temporal happiness, till death will 
separate them. Gen. 2, 24.: Eph. 5, 28. 29.: 
1. Cor. 7, 33. 34. 

565. Had not God a further design by 

instituting matrimony ? 
Yes : God did design thereby, a type of the 
mystical union between Christ and his church ; 
yea, between Christ himself and every believing 
soul. Eph. 5, 32. 

566. What have we, to bear in mind in regard 
to marriage ? 
That when both married persons are in union 
with Christ by faith, it constitutes holy and 
christian matrimony. 

567. What must be the mutual conduct of the 
married according to such a mystery ? 
The husband, on his part, must behave to- 
wards" the wife, as Christ does towards his 
bride. Eph. 5, 23. 28. 29.; Col. 3, 19,. 1. 
Pet. 3, 7. 



106 OF MATRIMONY. 



568. In what does this more especially 
consist ? 
Christ loves, provides for, governs and pro- 
tects the church, and bears patiently with her 
weaknesses. 

569. What has the christian wife to do, on 
her part ? 

That she behaves towards her husband, as 
the church does towards Christ. Eph. 5, 22. 
33.; Col. 3, 18.; 1. Tim. 2, 12.; 1. Pet. 3, 
1. 5. 6. 

570. How does the church behave towards her 
bridegroom ? 
The church loves him cordially: She honors 
him, and esteems him highly, and obeys him. 

571. What kind of a marriage is it, thus 

constituted? 
It is a holy blessed wedlock, and is never a 
hindrance to the kingdom of God. Heb. 13, 4. 

572. In what light should such marriage 

be viewed? 
It must be viewed as a holy institution, 
given to the human race : But, it can only be 
so, through faith, christian-like, and well pleas- 
ing to Grod. 



OP THE RESURRECTION OP THE DEAD. 10T 



VIII. OF THE RESURRECTION 
OF THE DEAD. 



573. How shall we consider the resurrection 

of the dead ? 
We will first speak of Death, and then of 
the Resurrection. 

574. What then is death ? 
Death is the wages of sin. A punishment, 
and an effect of sin. Rom. 6, 23. 

575. Upon whom does death pass ? 
Death passes upon all men, for that all have 
ginned in Adam. Rom. 5, 12.; Heb. 9, 27. 

576. What does death do? 
Death destroys and annihilates the human 
body. 

577. What follows this destroying? 
The separation of the body and soul. 

578. What becomes of the body, after such 

separation ? 
The body turns into corruption, and becomes 
earth again, until the day of judgement. 

579 . What becomes of the soul, after such 

separation ? 
The soul appears before its judge, who as- 
fligns it to its place, there to await the re-union 
with the body. Eccl. 12, 7.; 2. Cor. 5, 10. 



108 OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. 

580. To what place are the souls of unbelievers 
banished ? 
They are banished to a place of torment and 
pains. Luke 16, 23. 24. 

581. Where then are the souls of believers ? 

They are in a place of rest with Christ, their 
Lord. Wisdom 3, 1.; Rev. 14, 13.; Heb. 4, 3.; 
Phil. 1. 23 .; Luke 23, 43. 

582. Who can die thus blessed J 
He that shall persevere, in the faith and 
godliness, unto the end, the same shall be 
(blessed) saved. # Mat. 24, 13.; Rev. 2, 10. 

583. Does God send death upon believers , 

as a punishment ? 
No : but as a salutary chastisement, and as 
fx beneficial kindness to them. 

584. How can it be a berieficial kindness 

to them ? 
Their body and soul are redeemed and de- 
lie vered, in death, from sin, which is the root 
of all misery, and of all painful sensations, 
which proceed from sin. 2. Tim. 4, 18. (See 
Quest. 315 and 316. ) 

585. Will the mouldered bodies remain in 
the earth I 

No : for there is a future resurrection of the 
dead, both of the just and of the unjust. Acts 
24, 15.; Dan. 12, 2. 

586. Will then all the dead be raised ? 
Yes : all that are in their graves shall hear 



OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. 109 

the voice of the Son of God, and shall come 
forth. John 5, 28. 

587. Who will raise them ? 
The Triune-God. John 5, 21. 28.; Rom. 8, 11. 

588. Will men appear in the same bodies, 
which they had before I 

Yes : even the same bodies, in which they 
have done good or bad. God will again quicken 
our mortal, or dead bodies. Rom. 8, 11.; Phih 
3, 21..; Job 19, 26. 

589. What will be the nature of the raised 

bodies ? 
It will be spiritual and immortal. 1. Cor. 
15, 44. 

590. How will the bodies of unbelievers be 

conditioned ? 
They will be detestable, very deformed ; full 
of shame and contempt. They will be an ab- 
horring to all flesh. Isa. 66, 24.; Dan. 12, 2. 

591. What change will be perceived in the 

bodies of believers ? 
Christ will change their perishable (vile) 
body, that it mav be fashioned unto his glori- 
ous body. Phil. 3, 21.; John 5, 29. 

592. Will this body still be subject to pains? 

There shall be neither sorrow, nor crying ; 
neither shall there be anv more pain. Rev. 
21, 4. 

59- >. Will there be no deformity of body ? 

No : the body will be perfectly ennobled, and 
exquisitely glorious. Mat. 13,43.: Ool. 3,4. 



110 OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. 

594. Will all the transformed bodies have 

the same brightness ? 
No : As one star differs from another star in 
brightness (glory); so will also one transformed 
body exceed the brightness of another. 1. Cor, 
15, 41. 

595. Whose bodies will shine the most 
glorious ? 
The bodies of those, who turn many to right- 
eousness ; and who have suffered much for 
righteousness sake. Dan. 12, 3.; Luke 6, 22,23. 

596. Will the soul of each be again united 
with its risen body ? 

Yes j and in that body it will dwell for ever, 
and partake with the body either in heavenly 
delights, or suffer the pains of hell. 



IX. OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. 



597. What will follow the resurrection of 

the dead ? 
The day of judgement. 

598. Who will be the judge ? 
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who had ap- 
peared in the flesh, to redeem the world. John 

5, 22—27. 

599. How will he come to judge ? 
He will come suddenly, and unexpectedly in 
his glory, accompained by all the holy angels ; 



OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. Ill 

and then shall he sit upon the throne of his 
glory. Luke 21, 35.; Mat. 25, 31.: 16, 27. 

600. What will then be revealed in him ? 

The majesty of his divine nature, and the 
glory of his transformed (transfigured) human 
body. 

601. Who will see him thus coming ? 

All men, the godly, and the wicked, will see 
him come. Rev. 1, 7.; Acts 1, 11.; Mat. 26,64. 

602. Who shall appear in the judgement ? 
All who have apostatized from God ; namely, 

fallen angels, and all mankind. 2. Pet. 2, 4.; 
Jude v. 6.; 2. Cor. 5, 10. 

603. What will be examined into touching 

mankind ? 

Their condition, whether they were believers 

or unbelievers. They must give an account 

of every thought, word and deed. Mark 16, 16. ; 

1. Cor. 4, 5.; Mat. 12, 36. 37.; Jude v. 14. 15. 

604. According to what rule will they be 
judged ? 

According to the rule of the word of God, 
in divine righteousness. John 12, 48.; Acts 
17, 31. 

605. What do you mean by this ? 

Believers, whom Jesus redeemed from the 
curse of the law, being no longer under the 
law, but under grace, will be judged according 
to the Covenant of Grace. Gal. 3, 13.; 
Rom. 6, 14. 15.; Heb. 10, 16. 17.; 9, 15.; 
Rom. 2, 16. 



'1.12 OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. 



606. According; to -what rule will unbelievers 
be judged? 
Unbelievers will be judged by the law, under 
which they remained ; yea, they are already 
judged and the wrath of God abideth on them. 
Rom. 2, 12.: John 3, 18.; Gal. 3, 10.; John 
3,36. 

607. Who will be the witnesses ? 
The omniscience of God ; their own con- 
sciences, and the consciences of others ; the Law 
and the Gospel. Mai. 3, 16.; Rom. 14, 12.; 
Mat. 12,41. 42.; Rev. 20; 12. 

608. Who will be the summoners? 
The holy angels. 1 . Thess. 4, 16.; Ps. 103, 20. 

609. What services will they perform in the 
judgement ? 

They will go forth with a great sound of the 
trumpet and gather together all nations before 
the judgement seat ; they will separate the 
wicked from the righteous ; afterwards when 
sentence is pronounced, cast the wicked in the 
oven of fire. The bride of Christ, they will 
convoy, amid loud rejoicing, into heaven. Mat. 
24, 31.; 13, 49. 41. 50.; Ps. 45, 15. 

610. Will the judge also have assistants ?■ 
Yes : in passing sentence against the devils 
and the ungodly, the saints will be assistants, 
and will confirm the sentence. 1 . Cor. 6, 2. 3.; 
Mat. 19, 28. 



OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. 118 



Gil. Will not the saints and righteous 
also be placed before the judgement seat of 

Christ? 
Yes : but not with and among the ungodly; 
but they will, immediately, after their glorious 
resurrection, meet their glorious coming Lord, 
in the air, and be, by him, pronounced right- 
eous, according to his gospel covenant of grace. 
Tit. 2, 13.; Heb. 9, 28.; 1. Thess. 4, 17. 

612. JVhence do you know that they will so 
easily pass trial ? 

The king himself tells us, that he shall sepa- 
rate the sheep from the goats, and he shall set 
the sheep on his right hand ; but the goats on 
the left ; and he will graciously call them ; and 
complacently pronounce them, the blessed of 
his Father. Math. 25, 32—34.; 2. Thess. 1, 10. 

613. In the judge's vjellcoming them, as 
the blessed of his Father , what does he, thereby, 
mean to say J 
In doing so, he pronounces judicial sentence, 
that they are those, whom his Father had chosen 
from the foundation of the world, ordained (pre- 
destinated) them unto adoption and redemption, 
through his blood ; namely, made them par- 
takers of the forgiveness of sins, and blessed 
them with all heavenly blessings, in Christ. 
Eph. 1, 3—7.; John 3, 18.; 5, 24. 

614. What more will the judge say to them ? 
With most wellcome invitation, he will say : 
Come, ye blessed, and having assured them, of 

8 



114 OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. 



his own, as well as of his Father's kindness, 
he bids them to inherit the kingdom of glory 
prepared for them. Mat, 25, 34.; Wisdom 5, 
16. 17. 

615. Why shall it be so well with them 
hereafter ? 
In as much, as He will abundantly reward 
them for their sufferings and good works ; and 
the works of love, which they showed unto Him, 
in his members, he will publicly laud (extol). 
Mat. 5, 12.; 25, 35. 36. 

616. What will the judge not allege 

respecting them ? 

He will not allege their once pardoned sins ; 

for they shall not be made ashamed, before him 

at his coming. Ezek. 18, 22.; Isa. 43, 25.; 1. 

John 2, 28. 

617. How will he further assure them of his 

love and esteem 1 
He will publicly recognize the least of them 
as his brethren, Mat. 25, 40. 

618. Will the ungodly see and hear all this ? 
Yes : to their great amazement and terror, 

they will s«e and hear, how the king honors 
his chosen ; and the wicked will find themselves 
excluded therefrom. Wisd. 5, 2 &c. 

619. What will they, in view of this, utter ? 
They will utter the song of lamentation : 

Oh ! ye mountains and rocks : Fall on us, and 
hide us from the face of him, that sitteth on 



OF THE DAY Of JUDGEMENT. 115 

the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb ; 
for the great day of his wrath is come, and 
who shall be able to stand ! Rev. 6, 16. 17. 

620. What will the judge, first of all do, 
with the assembled wicked ? 
He will call them to account, and so rigidly ex- 
pose all their wickedness, before all eyes, that 
there shall be nothing covered, which shall not 
be revealed, neither any thing hid, that, shall 
not be made known. Mat. 25, 19.: Luke 12, 2. 

621. Will they be able to justify themselves I 
No : they cannot answer him, one of a thou- 
sand. Job 9, 2. 3. 

622. What will be the sentence pronounced 
upon the persons accused % 

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting 
lire , prepared for the devil and his angels. 
Mat. 25, 41.; Isa. 30, 33. 

623. Why will he call them, CURSED ? 

Thereby, he, as their judge , confirms the 
curse, which the law of God announced to them, 
under which they continued, by reason of their 
obdurate unbelief; and are justly sentenced. 
Deut. 27, 26.; Ps. 119, 21.; Heb. 3, 18. 

624. In the confirmation of his 
sentence, will he not proffer other charges 

against them ? 
Yes : he will, in a special manner, upbraid 
them with the despite they showed to his mem- 
bers (brethren). Mat. 25, 42 &c-« 



116 OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. 



625. Will this sentence be immediately 
executed? 
Yes : They will be cast, body and soul, into 
the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, 
and thus they shall go away into everlasting 
punishment. Mat. 13, 42.; Rev. 21, 8.; Mat. 
25, 46. 

626. Who else will be cast into the lake ? 

The devil, with all his angels are sentenced, 
with the ungodly; condemned, and cast into 
the abyss. 2. Pet. 2, 4.; Rev. 20, 10. 

627. Is this the great vengeance 
wherewith the Lord will revenge himself of his 
enemies ? 
Yes : this is the day, and the cause of the 
terrible vengeance, in which God will avenge 
himself and his people of their enemies, and 
give them their merited punishment for each 
and every thing hurtful, they did unto them. 
2. Thess* 1, 8. 9. 

628. What will then befall the present 

constitution of the vjorld ? 

The heavens shall pass away with a great 

noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent 

heat, the earth also and the works therein, shall 

be burnt up. 2. Pet. 3, 10. 7. 12. 



OF ETERNAL LIFE. 117 



X. OF ETERNAL LIFE. 



629. What will happen to the 
righteous after the consummation of the 
judgement ? 
Christ, the king will introduce the church as 
a preciously redeemed bride, in glorious tri- 
umph, into eternal glory, and present her, in 
the most costly attire, at the right hand of his 
Father. Eph. 5, 26.; Dan. 7, 18.: Ps. 16, 10.; 
1. Cor. 15, 24. 

630. In what, on the part of the blessed, 
will properly consist the glory (blessedness) of 
eternal life ? 
In the likeness of God , or in the full resto- 
ration of the divine image. For John says : 
We know, we shall be like him. 1. John 3, 2.; 
Ps. 17, 15. 

631. Will then the chosen become omnipotent, 

omniscient, omnipresent ? 

No : but they will be free, wise and holy. 

632. Of what will they be free ? 
Free from all imperfections, especially free 
from sin, from all cause and punishment of sin. 
They will be presented faultless before the 
presence of God, and like unto the angels, al- 
ways do the will of God, Jude, v. 24. 



I 18 OF ETERNAL LIFE, 



03 3. How will their body be then conditioned? 
It will be pure, comely, glorious and quali- 
fied for the eternal worship and praise of God. 
Phil. 3, 21. 

634. How will the soul be conditioned? 
The understanding, will, and conscience, 
will be in the most perfect condition. 

635. What will be the endowments of the 

understanding t 
The most excellent knowledge and wisdom. 
John 17, 3.; 1. Cor. 13, 10. 12. 

636. What will be in the will ? 
Perfect love and holiness. 

637. What will be in the conscience } 
The purest joy and delight. 

638. Over what will they rejoice ? 
Not only over their never ending prosperity; 
but especially do they rejoice, because of being 
assured, that they are loved by him, whose 
pleasing countenance they enjoy. 

639. Will they see God? 
They shall see him as he is, especially their 
glorious Savior. 1. John 3, 2. 

640. Will they have great joy ? 
They will rejoice with joy unspeakable, and 
full of glory.- 1. Pet. 1, 8. 

641. How long will this glorious joy last J 
It will be endless, through all eternity. For 

they shall be with the Lord for ever, 1, Thess. 

4, 17. 



OF ETERNAL LIFE. 119 



642. Will there be no cause at all for grievance 
or complaint ? 
No : there will be no want, no sorrow, no pain, 
neither death nor lamentation : but each shall 
always enjoy everv imaginable pleasure. Rev. 
7, 16. 17.; tea. 35, 10.; 65, 19. 

648. Whose presence beside God's, will they 
enjoy ? 

They will have communion with many thou- 
sands of holy angels, the innumerable host of 
the spirits of just men made perfect, whom 
they will all know, and have with them the 
most pleasing intercourse and communion. 
Heb. 12, 22. 23. 

644. What will be their employment? 
To love God perfectly, to employ all their 
activities in the service, praise, and glorification 
of God, without loathing and wearsomeness ; 
in consummate fruition without 

Rev. 7 9 16. 



-*H\ 



%r~ 



**$%<=><!y=>%v~ 



aiiiifiin 

TOUCHING THE LORD'S PRAYEE. 



1. Dear child, what are we to do, 
when sorrow, distress, trouble, and every kind 
of solicitude befall us ? 
God says : Call upon me in the day of trouble : 
I will deliver thee , and thou shalt glorify me. 
This we are to do confidently. Ps. 50, 15.; 
Phil. 4, 6. 

2. Is it not annoying to our heavenly 
Father, if we importune him with prayer, and 
desire every good thing from him ? 
0, no! it is rather pleasing to him, if we 
make known to him the desires of our hearts, 
and request Him in filial confidence for his 
succor. John 4, 23. 

3. Is our heavenly Father disposed, 
and willing to grant us all good gifts for 

which we pray filially ? 
Ah yes ! He is more gracious and kind than 
earthly fathers can be towards their children. 
Mat. 7, 11. 



OP THE LORD'8 PRATER. 121 

4 - 

4. How do you know this ? 
His beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ 
assures us abundantly of this. If we pray to 
him sincerely, his paternal heart, is moved with 
compassion towards us. Luke 11, 9. 13.: Ps, 
103, 8. 13. 

5. Do you know how to address God 
in prayer so that it will be acceptable to your 

heavenly Father ? 
Yes : I do, for the Lord Jesus has taught 
as, in as much as he has given us a model. Mat. 
6, 9.; Luke 11, 2. 

6 r Very well, this is true; but, tell me, what is 
the prayer the Lord taught us \ 
The words run thus : Our Father who art in 
heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom 
come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in 
heaven. Our daily bread give us this day. And 
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver 
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory for ever. Amen. 

7. Do you think it is to pray aright, if you 

merely repeat the words by rote f 
Simply to repeat the words by rote, is not 
all that is required, we must also be devout ? 
and bear in mind, the import of every word. 
Sirach 18, 23.; Mat. 6, 6. 

8. How may this prayer be appropriately 

divided ? 
It may be divided into three parts, First : 



Yl'l OF THE LORD'S PRAYER. 



the introduction. Second : the prayer. Third : 
the conclusion. 

9 . What part constitutes the introduction t 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

10. Whom you embrace, when you pray : Our 
Father ? 
I embrace all the dear children of God in 
this vale of tears, surrounded by all manner of 
sorrow, misery and poverty. 

11 . Why do you not pray for yourself only; 

but also bear others in mind? 
I know the Father loves us all at the same 
time ; and we love one-another mutually, as he 
has commanded us, we therefore, apply in love 
to the Father with one accord. John 16, 27.; 
IS, 34. 

12. Do you think that the bountiful God, in 

heaven, is the Father of such afflicted ones, and 

that he has a tender fatherly love 

towards them ?- 

This I believe assuredly, and that is the 

reason, why I, in my desires, with all his 

children, approach him in prayer, in filial love 

and confidence. Isa.*63, 16.; 64, 8. 

18 t . / admit this seems devout. 

Bat what do you bear in mind, when you say : 

Thou who art in heaven? 

I bear in mind, that all of us are yet here in 

misery and in a strange country; but our Father 

is at home, in all his divine power and glory, 



OF THE LORD'S PRAYER, 123 

that he is very rich and merciful unto all that 
call upon hirn, to hear them, and vouchsave 
himself unto them. Ps. 115, 3.; 2. Chron. 20, 
6.; Rom. 10, 12. 

14. This is a fine introduction to the 
prayer. But into how many parts is this prayer 
itself divided ? 
The prayer consists of seven distinct peti- 
tions. 

15. Is there not a general distinction to be 

made in these seven petitions ? 
Yes, we may, in general readily, make a 
twofold distinction. 

16. What is the first distinction ? 
In the first three petitions, we pray for things 
which are for the glorification of the Father; and 
in the last four petitions, we pray for things, 
we stand in need of. 

17. What is the second distinction ? 
In the first four petitions, we beseech the 
Father, for the bestowal of every good; and, 
in the three last, we ask for the averting of 
every evil. 

18. What is the first petition ? 

Hallowed be thy name. 

19 . What do we desire in this petition ? 
We pray, that we might know God, our 
Father, aright ; and that we heartly honor and 
praise him, in all our actions. Eph. 1, 16. 17.; 
Ps. 51, 17.; 71, 8. 



124 OF THE LORD'S PRAYER. 



20. What is implied by the name, Father ? 

All his divine majesty and glory, according 
to which he is the source of all glorious power, 
and the fountain of all good ; yea, the Father 
of all that are called children. Isa. 42, 8.; 45, 
12.; Hos. 12, 6.; Eph. 3, 15. 

21 . What is the second petition ? 

Thy kingdom come. 

22. What do we ask for in the second petition f 
We ask for the coming of the kingdom of 
grace, that the paternal reign, through the 
Holy Spirit, might be into, and over us ; that 
the church of God might be built up ; and the 
kingdom of satan be destroyed. Ps. 143, 10.; 
25, 4. 5.; 51, 18.; Rom. 16, 20. 

23. When the kingdom comes, what will it 

bring ? 
It is, and brings with it, righteousness, peace 
and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14, 17. 

24. What is the third petition? 

Thy will be done on earth as it is in 
heaven. 

25. What should we bear in mind, in the 
third petition ? 

We should bear in mind , that only the will 
of our heavenly Father is perfect, good, holy 
and beneficent; but that our natural will is de- 
praved, perverse, wicked and hurtful. Rom. 
12, 2. j 1. Thess. 4, 3.; Gen. 6, 3.; Eph. 2, 3. 



OF THE LORD'S PRAYER. V2& 



26. What do we ask for the?i, in the third 
petition ? 

We ask God to grant, that we all might re- 
nounce our own will ; and , on the contrary, 
submit to his will, and be obedient, as the 
angels in heaven do. Luke 14, 33.; Ps. 141, 
4.; 103, 20. 21. 

27- What is the fourth petition ? 

Give us this day our daily bread. 

28. What do we confess in this petition ? 
We confess our constant wants, that, if our 
heavenly Father would not provide for us daily, 
with all necessaries that we need to sustain us 
in body and soul, we would have to perish. 
Ps. 145, 15. 16. 

29. For what kind of bread and 
sustinance do children of God especially , and 
principally ask ? 
First of all, children of Grod seek for spirit- 
ual manna , which the Father gives , and is 
adopted to their new being, without which, 
thev could not live. Mat. 6, 33.; John 6, 27. 
32/50. 53. 

30. What is the fifth petition ? 

And forgive us our debts as we for- 
give our debtors. 

3 1 . What is here meant by debts ? 
All sins and transgressions , by which we 
show a want of conformity to the holy will of 
God. Luke 11, 4,; 1. John 3, i. 



126 OF THE LORD'S PRAYER, 



32. For what do we ask, on account of these 

debts 1 

We ask for the forgiveness of these debts, 

the which, we do not doubt, because, God has 

bestowed us a willingness, also to forgive our 

neighbor. Ps. 51, 3. 4. 9. 11.; Luke 11, 4. 

33. What is the sixth petition ? 

And lead us not into temptation. 

34. What should we here, especially bear in 

mind ? 

That our declared enemies seek unceasingly 

to ensnare us by temptation ; and, that we, of 

ourselves, are too weak to stand for a moment, 

1. Pet. 5, 8.; Jas. 1, 14.; Mat. 26, 41. 

35. For what do we therefore ask, in this 

petition ? 
We ask, that in such danger , our heavenly 
Father would not resign us to the temptations 
of our enemies ; but graciously, assist, guard 
and preserve us. 1. Thess. 3, 13.; Eph. 3, 14. 
16.; 6, 10—13. 

36. How does the seventh^ and last petit ion 

read ? 

But deliver us from evil. 

37. What evil is here meant ? 
Every sort of evil , what seems to us and in 
the eyes of God evil and wicked ; above all, 
satan , with all the evil and hurt that he has 
ereated, and still causes, internally and extern- 
ally with man. Rev. 12, 9. 



OF THE LORD'S PRAYER. 127 

38. For what do we ask concerning such evil I 
We ask that our clear heavenly Father would 
deliver and free us from all such evil, that we 
might serve him in holiness and truth. Luke 
1, 74. 75. 

89. What does the conclusion comprehend? 
In the conclusion, we say : For thine is 

the kingdom, and the power, and the 
glory in eternity, Amen. 

40. What do we make known, with the words, 
in this conclusion ? 
We make known to the Father, as we find it 
most reasonable, to importune him with these, 
our prayers in filial confidence, and have re- 
course to none other. 

41. What reason do we assign ? 
We declare, that the kingdom, for which 
we prayed, is his kingdom; and that needed 
strength is his ; and that all honor and praise 
are due and become him, and that for ever, 
without beginning and end. 

42. Why do we, in conclusion, say: Amen % 
Amen means : Yes , assuredly, truly. As 
though we said : Father, what we have con- 
fessed and prayed for, proceed from our hearts, 
that it is assuredly and truly so, and that it so 
be and come to pass. 



Minn if ur i. 

FEOM THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, 

IN 

Questions and Answers. 

1. What Rule of Life did God first give to 
fallen man ? 

The first constituted Rule of Life , which 
God revealed and gave through his servant 
Moses, is contained in his Moral Law. 

2. How is the Law of Moses divided ? 
It is divided into the Ceremonial Law, and 
into the Moral Law. 

3. What constitutes the Ceremonial Law ? 

The Ceremonial Law comprises all the pre- 
cepts which designate and prescribe the religion 
of the Jews, and their worship. 

4. In what is the Moral Law contained 1 
The Moral Law is briefly contained in the 

holy Ten Commandments. 

5, What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? 
The sum of the Ten Commandments is : Thou 
shalt love the Lord thy Grod, with all thy heart, 
and with all thy soul , and with all thy mind j 
and thy neighbor as thyself. 



OF THE RQLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 129 



6. How are the Ten Commandments divided? 
God gave them in two separate tables. The 
commandments of the first table relate to God 
the Lord j and the commandments of the second 
table concern the neighbor. 

7. How many commandments belong to each 

table ? 
Four belong to the first table ; and six to 
the second. 

8. Why did God thus divide them, and give 

them in separate tables ? 
That we especially take heed, how we should 
act, and demean ourselves in love towards God, 
and in love, to the neighbor. 

9. How are the ten commandments to be 
understood ? 
They have their manifest, literal sense ; but 
there underlies them a concealed secret, spirit- 
ual meaning, which God more especially in- 
tended. 

10. Whence do you know this I 
Christ our Lord has taught this, whilst, he 

himself, in his sermon on the mount, explained 
several of the ten commandments, according to 
their secret spiritual meaning. 

11. What is the literal sense ? 

It is the proper sense which the letter im- 
ports ; and is called the moral law ; in which 
the external actions and Deeds op the Body 
are comprehended , through which right or 
wrong mav be done, 



130 OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



12. What is the spiritual meaning (Sinn)? 

It is that which is in a spiritual manner 
signified under the letter, and what concerns 
the desires, internal inclinations, and incite- 
ments of the soul. 

13. What does the literal sense enjoin ? 
It enjoins all virtuous good acts, towards 
God and the neighbor. 

14. What does the spiritual meaning 
enjoin ? 
It enjoins every virtue : and, in deed, these 
must come from an upright heart full of love, 
and be so practiced. 

15. What does the literal sense forbid? 
All such vices, sins and offences that may in 
some measure be known from the law of nature ; 
and, which conflict with all reasonable honesty, 
and natural justice. 

16. What does the spiritual meaning 
forbid? 
Every sin and transgression, whether of the 
inclinations and desires of the soul ; or sins of 
the understanding, in thought, and the like ; 
and also such sins, as are committed externally 
by hearing, seeing and speaking of sinful things. 

17. Jire the ten commandments , both as to the 

literal sense and spiritual meaning , still to bt 

received as the rule of conduct of life ? 

Yes : the ten commandments are also given 

unto us by God, to be our external guide to the 



OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 131 



conduct of actions and life, and are to be re- 
ceived and understood in such twofold meaning. 

JYota. — Conscience*) is the inner rule of 
conduct. 

18. By what do you prove this ? 

Christ says : For verily I say unto you, till 
heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title 
shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be 
fulfilled. Mat. 5, 18, 

19. What is briefly comprehended in the com- 

mandments of the first table } 
In the first commandment, of the first table, 
idolatry is forbidden : in the second , false 
worship 5 in the third, false doctrine : in the 
fourth, the pure and true worship of God is 
commanded. 

20. What is briefly comprehended in the com- 

mandments of the second table ? 
In the first commandment of the second table, 
obedience and submission are enjoined : in the 
second, anger and murder are forbidden ; in 
the third, unchastity, fornication and adultery: 
in the fourth, treachery and theft ; in the fifth, 
lying and falsehood ; in the sixth, all desires, 
which are criminal and sinful before God. 



* ) The word Conscience has foeen defined by Bishop 
Butler: "The principle in man by which he ap- 
proves or disapproves of his heart, temper and 
actions." A later writer, Rev. W. Adams, defines 
it: "The faculty in man by which he perceives 
ihe moral effect of actions in Time in reference 
to their results upon himself in Eternity." 



i 32 OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



21. How does the introduction to the ten 

commandments read ? 
The introduction to the ten commandments 
reads thus : I am the Lord thy God, who have 
brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of 
the house of bondage. 

22. What does this introduction teach us ? 

It teaches us, that, because, God is the Lord. 
and is our God, and our Redeemer, we are 
bound to keep his commandments. 

23. What is the first commandment ? 
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

24. What is forbidden in the first 
commandment ? 
In the first commandment all idolatry is for- 
bidden ■ and apostacy from the only true God ; 
also all unbelief and distrust towards Him ; 
and that we are not to honor, or worship any 
other, but Him only. 

25. What is enjoined in the first 
commandment ? 
That we are to fear and love God sincerely, 
we are not to confess and acknowledge, before 
his allseeing eyes and holy presence, any other 
being, than him only, as our God and Redeemer, 
both in our distress of body and soul : place 
our cordial trust and heart in him alone. 

26. What is the second commandment ? 
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven 
image, or the likeness of any thing. Bow not 
down thyself to serve them. 



OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 133 

27. What is forbidden in the second 

commandment ? 
In the second commandment, are forbidden 
the worshipping, and honoring of images — God 
must be worshipped, as he commanded us, and 
not through images and created things — pay- 
ing them divine honors, because of which, God 
is a jealous God, and will not have his honor 
given unto another. 

28. What is enjoined in the second 

commandment ? 
That in all our divine worship, internally 
and externally, we must be sincere, perfect 
and pure ; and be rendered to the only, true 
and living God. We are not to ascribe divine 
honors to any other being whatever, besides 
him, on pain of the divine wrath. 

29. What is the third commandment ? 
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord 
thy God in vain. 

30. What is forbidden in the third 
commandment ? 
In the third commandment are forbidden to 
blaspheme and use in vain the most holy name 
of God by cursing, reviling, swearing, and in 
practicing witchcraft. Neither are we to use, 
or abuse his name, in frivolous, vain, worldly 
talk or in an indiscret manner, to use, to men- 
tion and allude to it. 

31. What is enjoined in the third 
commandment ? 
That we are to use the holy name of God with 



1 34 OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



all humility, awe and reverence, so that God 
may be suitably acknowledged, invoked and be 
praised by us, in all our words and deeds. 

32. What is the fourth commandment ? 
Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy, 

33. What is forbidden in the fourth 
commandment ? 
There is forbidden in the fourth command- 
ment, all heedless indifference to, or disregard 
of religious duties, on stated, fixed days and 
times for divine worship ; or spending such 
times unnecessary in thoughts, words and deeds 
in secular employments, and in amusements. 

34. What is enjoined in the fourth 
commandment ? 
That we are to spend the stated times for 
divine worship not in secular employments, but 
in holy devotion, godly exercise, publicly and 
privately; and suffer God to rest and work in 
our hearts. 

35. What is the fifth commandment ? 
Houor thy father and thy mother, that it 
may be well with thee, and thy days be long 
upon the earth. 

36. What is forbidden in the fifth 
commandment f 
In the fifth commandment are forbidden all 
disobedience, obstinacy and dishonor towards 
parents, and towards others in authority; all 
opposition to and resistance against their com- 
mand and will. 



Of 1 THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 135 



37. What is enjoined in the fifth commandment f 
That we show to father and mother, and to 
all in authority over us honor, love and fidelity, 
and submit to their good instruction and cor- 
rection ; and that we have patience with their 
weaknesses. 

38. What is the sixth commandment ? 
Thou shalt not kill. 

39. What is forbidden in the sixth 

commandment ? 
In the sixth commandment are forbidden 
killing and murder of oneself or fellowman ; 
all fighting, violent beating and quarreling; 
all hatred and revenge, ill-will, and suspicion 
against the neighbor. 

40. What is enjoined in the sixth 

commandment ? 
That we are to love our neighbor, show to- 
wards him all patience , peace , gentleness, 
mercy, kindness, and as much as lies in us, to 
avert injuries from him, to the preservation 
and prosperity of his life. 

41. What is the seventh commandment ? 
Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

42. What is forbidden in the seventh 
commandment ? 
In the seventh commandment are forbidden, 
all unchastity, fornication, adultery, lewdness ; 
all unchaste acts, words, thoughts,' gestures, 
lusts, and every thing that might excite one 
thereto 



136 OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



43. What is enjoined in the seventh 

commandment I 

To keep the heart chaste, clean and pure, 

to preserve the body, life and mind in chastity, 

and keep oneself free , both as to body and 

soul, from all impure pollutions. 

44. What is the eighth commandment I 
Thou shalt not steal. 

45. What is forbidden in the eighth 

commandment ? 

In the eighth commandment are forbidden, 

all unfaithfulness, robbery and theft, all kinds 

of fraud, tricks and devices to obtain another's 

property; and, all manner of wrong. 

46. What is enjoined in the eighth 
commandment ?■ 
That we be faithful and upright to our neigh- 
bor ; and heartely wish him his own, and that 
we seek to advance his interest. 

47. What is the ninth commandment ? 
Thou shalt not bear false witness against 
thy neighbor. 

48. What is forbidden in the ninth 
commandment ? 
In the ninth commandment are forbidden all 
falsehood, lying and bearing false witness, per- 
version of language, slander, gossipping, by 
which the neighbor's good name, honor and 
moderation are disparaged 



OF THE HOLY TEN COMMANBMFNTS. 137 



49. What is enjoined in the ninth 
commandment ? 
That we should heartely love and promote 
the truth, and where necessary, willingly de- 
fend the honor and good name of our neighbor, 
by a truthful testimony. 

^ 50. What is the tenth commandment ? 
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, 
nor his wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid- 
servant, nor his cattle, nor any thing that is 
thy neighbor's. 

51. What is forbidden in the tenth 

commandment ? 
In the tenth commandment are forbidden all 
manner of unlawful desires , that may arise in 
the heart to appropriate to ourselves the neigh- 
bor's possessions, or goods to his detriment. 

52. What is enjoined in the tenth 

commandment ? 
That we, out of a well inclined will and 
disposition, from a pure mind, wish our neigh- 
bor every thing that God grants him ; that we 
rejoice in his prosperity; that we hate every 
sin, and, on the contrary, take pleasure in all 
righteousness. 






IITITIIIU 1TII 

BEPORE 

cat i ch: i z at i ok. 



ABLINGTON; OBTONVIIiLE ; GIVE; 
OOKONATION. CM, 

u 

0, Jesus deary 
Who didst appear, 
To save us, and to bless : 
Thy spirit give, 
That we may live, 
A life of holiness. 

2. 
Lord, in mind, 
We are too blind, 
Thy saving truth to see ; 



HYMN. lol> 

Grant us full might, 

Give us true sight, 

Lest, we undone should be. 

3. 
Break thou in twain, 
Sin's yoke and chain, 
That we, set free from sin, 
May be inclin'd, 
With willing mind 
Thy school, to enter in. 

4. 

And there pursue, 

Like scholars true, 

The study of thy word, 

And strive alway, 

Its truth t'obey, 

As thou wouldst have us, Lord. 

5. 
grant, that we, 
Thy truth may see, 
And in true faith embrace ; 
And not depart, 
Through human art, 
From thy all saving grace. 



140 HYMN. 

6. 

0, master, true, 

Assist us too, 

By gifts of righteousness, 

That grace, peace, joy 

Without alloy, 

In thee, we may possess., 

7. 
Thus may we raise, 
Our hearts in praise 
Thus honor to thee bring ; 
And evermore, 
When time is o'er, 
Thy praise and glory sing. 



GOD ALONE THE HONOR! 



^ 



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